Lesson 2:
Basic Navigation I

1. Explain how parameters are used to make code more powerful and flexible

2. Use parameters in code to change a robot’s speed and direction

3. Use a Wait block to control how long the robot takes an action

1. Explain how parameters are used to make code more powerful and flexible

In the second reflection question, ensure that students understand that parameters are used to specify particular details of a command, allowing coders to use the same code block for a wide range of commands that are generally similar but differ in small details.

2. Use parameters in code to change a robot’s speed and direction

Check for mission success in either of the last two missions.

3. Use a Wait block to control how long the robot takes an action

Check for mission success in either of the last two missions.

1. Why do we need the Wait For block?

The purpose of the Wait For block is to allow the robot to continue moving as directed in the previous code block, before moving on to the next block of code. Without it, the robot would not have time, for example, to move forward before the next code block instructed it to move in a different way. The Wait For block also allows programmers to tell the robot exactly how long it should continue a particular type of movement before moving to the next one.

2. Why do code blocks need parameters?

Many code blocks give a general command, then use parameters for specific information on how to go about executing the command. Without parameters, programmers would need different blocks every time specific details such as power or length of time changed, which would add up to thousands of different blocks.

3. What other parameters might be useful for the blocks you have used so far?

Student answers will vary. Check that the parameters include useful details that will enable the command to be used more flexibly. For example, the ‘Drive’ block may have a parameter that instructs the robot to travel a particular distance.

• This is a double session – it will require 2 hours to complete with lesson 3: Basic Navigation II.

• Begin with the slideshow, taking breaks to complete the missions whenever prompted by the slides.

• The missions might take longer, either assign them as homework or dedicate next session to complete these missions.

• Use the provided solutions or ask students who successfully completed a mission to explain it to the class.

• Suggest students to use the help widget.

• Go through the additional resources such as the aforementioned YouTube steering tutorial and support article.