Basically programming is where you write specific instructions for the computer to follow and execute. Think about baking a cake, we follow a recipe and method to take us through each step. That's what coders do, write code to tell computers what to exactly do. Computers are only as clever as the coder, if the coder gets its wrong, then the computer will make a mistake. Watch the video below.
Blockly Programs - give these a try first...choose Maze or Bird only at this stage
Artist Coding - https://studio.code.org/s/artist/stage/1/puzzle/1
Now that you have written your instructions, lets learn how we can adapt them so that firstly our computer software can understand them and how we can make them more effective. Lets get started on coding basics.
The class will setup a maze of tables around the classroom with one path to get from the start to the end. In a small group, write specific instructions to guide a human through the maze blindfolded. Remember you instructions need to be exact as the person with the blindfold is only allowed to follow your instructions. Write down your instructions in any form that you like, test it and make changes where required before testing your final code with another group.
Reflection Questions:
What instructions worked well during the task? What instructions didn't work so well during the task? Explain.
How might you change your instructions next time?
Would your instructions work on any maze? How might you change your instructions so that work on any one path maze?