Coding Concepts and Tools

Monday

Welcome to Week 2 of March Badgeness! 😃

Concept: input & output (NYSCSDF Standard CT.1)

Before we get started, check out this short Introduction to Bee-Bot video.

Today we’ll dive into a hands-on activity by exploring the concept of input and output using the Bee-Bot Online Emulator. Are you ready to get started?!

Exploring Input and Output with Bee-Bot

Objective:

Teachers will understand the basic concepts of input and output by programming a Bee-Bot to navigate a simple grid.

Materials:

Computers or tablets with internet access
Access to the Bee-Bot Online Emulator
Choice of predefined grid map layout displayed on the screen (may choose one from the options in the dropdown menu)

Instructions:

Introduction to input and output
- Input is the information given to a computer (or Bee-Bot) to perform a task.
- Output is the result of the computer (or Bee-Bot) processing the input.
Activity Steps
- Choose the grid map you’d like to use from the dropdown menu on the Bee-Bot Online Emulator page.
- Plan a route for the Bee-Bot to reach a destination point from the starting location on the map.
- Program the virtual Bee-Bot by inputting a sequence of commands using the arrow buttons to navigate the Bee-Bot through the grid. (Note: Use the right and left arrow keys to turn the Bee-Bot’s body. These buttons do not move the Bee-Bot right or left on the map.)
- Run the program by pressing the go button and observe the Bee-Bot’s movement.
- Press the X to start over again and create a new program.
- Move the Bee-Bot to the original starting position by pressing the home button.
- Repeat the activity as many times as you would like.
Reflection
- Ponder how Bee-Bot’s movement is the output resulting from its input.
- Consider how changing inputs affect outputs.
- Contemplate the importance of precise instructions in programming.
- Think about real-world applications of input and output in technology and computing.

Tuesday

Concept: algorithms (NYSCSDF Standard CT.6)

Tool: Bee-Bot Online Emulator 🐝🤖

Designing and Comparing Algorithms with Bee-Bot

Objective:

Teachers will design, test, and compare different algorithms to solve the same problem using the Bee-Bot Online Emulator.

Materials:

Computers or tablets with internet access
Access to the Bee-Bot Online Emulator
Predefined challenging grid map layout (e.g. with obstacles)

Instructions:

Introduction to algorithms
- An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions to complete a task
- Multiple algorithms can solve the same problem, but they may differ in efficiency.
Activity Steps
- Choose a grid map with a start and finish point that include obstacles that require the Bee-Bot to take a non-direct path.
- Design an algorithm that guides the Bee-Bot from start to finish.
- Document your sequence of commands.
- Input your algorithm into the emulator and run it to observe the Bee-Bot’s path.
- Note the number of steps taken and any adjustments needed.
- Repeat the steps above creating a different algorithm than you did the first time, but keeping the start and finish points the same.
- Compare your algorithms and note the differences in approach and efficiency. Highlight key differences, such as number of steps or simplicity of instructions.
- Challenge yourself to optimize your algorithm to use fewer steps.
Reflection
- Consider the importance of choosing an efficient algorithm in real-world applications.
- Think about how you might teach these concepts to your students.

Wednesday

Concept: debugging (NYSCSDF Standard CT.9)

Tool: Root Robot Simulator - iRobot Coding App 🖊️🤖

Before we get started, check out these short Getting Started with iRobot Coding App tutorial videos to get familiar with Root Robot.

Let’s go on a bug hunt! 🐞🔍

Debugging Code with Root Robot

Objective:

Teachers will develop problem-solving skills by identifying and fixing errors (bugs) in a given program that attempts to draw a flower using the Root Robot simulator.

Materials:

Computers or tablets with internet access
Bug Hunt activity sheet
Access to the Root Robot Simulator - iRobot Coding App

Instructions:

Introduction to debugging
- Debugging is the process of identifying and fixing errors in code.
- A bug is a mistake or error in a program that prevents it from working correctly.
- Testing is running a program to check if it works as expected.
Activity Steps
- Complete the Bug Hunt activity using the simulator in the iRobot Coding App.
- Create a new project by clicking +
- Adjust to level 2 before starting to build your program.
Reflection
- How did you identify the bugs in the code? What strategies did you use to fix the errors?
- Why is debugging an important skill in coding? What if programmers didn’t debug their code?
- Can you think of a time when debugging would be useful outside of coding? (Example: fixing a recipe, checking a math problem, etc.)

Thursday

Concept: conditional statements & loops (NYSCSDF Standard CT.8)

Tool: Root Robot Simulator - iRobot Coding App 🖊️🤖

Exploring Conditional Statements and Loops with Root Robot

Objective:

Understand and apply conditional statements and loops using the Root Robot simulator to solve a problem.

Materials:

Computers or tablets with internet access
Color Quest activity sheet
Flower Power Shapewheels activity sheet
Access to the Root Robot Simulator - iRobot Coding App

Instructions:

Introduction to conditional statements and loops
- Conditional statements are "if-then" statements that execute a set of instructions only if a certain condition is met.
- Loops are sequences of instructions repeated until a certain condition is met or for a set number of times.
Activity Steps
- Programming Task: Color Quest using Conditional Statements (Create a new project by clicking + and you may choose to work in level 1 or level 2 to build your program.)
- Programming Task : Flower Power Shapewheels using Loops (Create a new project by clicking + and be sure to adjust to level 2 before starting to build your program.)
Reflection
- How did using conditional statements help the robot make decisions?
- Why is it important for robots to respond to sensor input in real-world applications? Can you think of an example?
- How did using a loop simplify your code, and what challenges would you face if you had to write out each movement separately?
- Consider an extension activity with physical robots’ bumper sensors where you must combine conditional statements and loops to navigate a maze. For example, “if a wall is detected, turn right” and “move forward until a wall is detected.”

Friday

You did it! You survived week #2 of March Badgeness. Now it’s time to earn that badge!!

Reflection

This week, you’ve learned some foundational coding concepts and explored two new tools that you can use with your students to introduce coding and build their programming skills. As you reflect on what you’ve learned, share your experience by answering a few questions in this Google Form to earn your second badge.

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