Simple coding with 4 commands: forward one step, backward one step, turn left 90 degrees, turn right 90 degrees.
Students have to think in individual steps and string them altogether to get the Bee Bot from one location to another.
Students can do one step at a time and hit the clear button (X), or they can bring the Bee Bot back to the starting step and add steps to it. If a step is wrong, they have to clear and start over.
Watch how skillfully this BCSD kindergarten teacher assigns roles to each group.
Assigning roles can be very helpful.
Using popcicle sticks can be an easy way to track who has which job/role for a particular round.
Sample Jobs/Roles:
Problem Solver-finds the answer on the board
Planner - plans out the route from pt. A to pt. B
Debugger - Checks for errors along the way
Programmer - inputs the data to run the program
Mr. Vacca works with K-2 students. Watch how he gives directions.
Notice how he writes the program on the chart paper. (2:22)
Consider using the terms forward, backward, spin left, spin right.
Notice how he uses Mario Bros characters to enliven the challenge (4:50)
Notice how he gives specific jobs to kids for better collaboration. (5:09)
Directional buttons help students learn to program the robot. They can do short programs or longer programs.
See here how kindergarteners can successfully learn to program a robot.
Notice the opportunity for students to practice their communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity skills.
Students can create their own mat and obstacle course and work through many roadblocks and problems that crop up.
Meanwhile, students create a program to run from start to finish to complete a task.