Y1 CODING - BeeBots

First Steps to programming

Lesson Focus

Able to use a mouse and keyboard.
Follow simple instructions.
Write down simple code.
Introduction to algorithms.
Understand that an algorithm is simply a set of instructions.
Guide children around a course in the classroom.
Work in groups, collaborate and share thoughts and ideas.
Work in pairs. One directing the other around a course.
Use forward, left and right.
Use ¼, ½ and ¾ turns.

Digital Skills & Computing Focus

Able to use a mouse and keyboard.
Launch a web browser and navigate to a website.
Choose a BeeBot mat.
Use BeeBot online to move around a mat to different locations.
Write down the steps required to reach the destination.
Understand that these steps form a simple algorithm.
Correct any mistakes - debug their route.
Plan more complex routes that involve turning the BeeBot through 180°
Use real BeeBots and program them to move safely around a course.
Understand the various keys used to program the device.
Know how to clear and previous instructions programmed.
Work in pairs. One directing the other around a course.

Right from the Start

Our First Program

We started off by writing instructions telling children how to line up by the door .

Walking to School

We moved on to write a simple program telling children how to safely get to school step by step.

sloving a problem

These simple instructions are called algorithms and they simply solve a problem.

Writing our first code

Y1 Coding Beebot

We started by writing a very simple set of instructions to show to how line up by the door or get to school safely. Children was also introduced to simple loops that allowed an instruction to be used more then once.

Children copied down the steps needed to solve a problem and we introduced the word algorithm.

We corrected any mistakes something known as debugging, and children could used their instructions to help solve other problems such as moving around the IT suite safely.

Moving onto BeeBot Programming

thinking & Writing Code

Children started by writing code and working out routes.

Programing

We then used our computers to copy the code and move the BeeBot.

Success

We corrected out mistakes (debug) and re-tested until all was working.

From Computers to BeeBots

Children spent time using a BeeBot simulator on a computer in the schools IT suite. They learn to write down their code onto paper and then transferred it to the BeeBot program online

These skills came in handy once they moved to the real thing. Just like in the computer suite, children copied down their code and programmed the BeeBots to move around the floor.

Childen debugged their code and fixed any problems. They reprogrammed their BeeBots and tried again checking the algorithm was correct this time.

From BeeBots to Fractions

Children had been programming BeeBot to move around a course. The BeeBot not only moved in a straight line, but also turnes left, right or right the way around to make its was back to the children.

We wanted children to understand the term 1/4 turn, 1/2 turn and 3/4 turn. We also showed them that a circle can be split into sections like a cake and the different sections added together .

1/4 + 1/4 = 1/2 ...or ...1/4 + 1/4 + 1/4 = 3/4

Children stared to add the fraction together on paper and on the interactive screen. We then went out into the playground so children could demonstrate there learning and understanding.

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