Collecting Pollen | Coding Unplugged | Sequencing Booklet PBL
About this resource
So, word on the street is, there is a local Bee Farmer who is trying to speed up how quickly his bees can get around his homes flowers and then back to the hive.
Your job, is to see if you can help him find the quickest route to get to each of the flowers and back to the hive.
Do you think you have what it takes?
About this project:
This is a 4 part mini lesson to introduce simple algorithms, debugging, and testing efficiency. It’s suitable for Years 1-3, but will also be beneficial for any year group that is just starting out with introducing Computational Thinking.
Begin by reading a scenario to your whole class, select a Bee Map and work together to direct the bee and complete each of the four tasks.
After this mini lesson, there are 3 other completed Bee Maps for you to use and help take the new learning to independence.
This pack can be completed as a whole class, in small groups, or independently. Or all of the above – the choice is yours.
What’s Included
– Teacher instructions
– Scenario Story
– Task cards
– 4 completed bee maps
– 1 blank bee map
– Resource sheet with directions
– Blank resource sheet
Progress Outcomes Covered
We’ve designed this project to cover a large portion of the Digital Curriculum. Specifically looking at Progress Outcome 1 and 2 of Computational Thinking.
In authentic contexts and taking account of end-users, students use their decomposition skills to break down simple non-computerised tasks into precise, unambiguous, step-by-step instructions (algorithmic thinking). They give these instructions, identify any errors in them as they are followed, and correct them (simple debugging).
– Progress Outcome 1
In authentic contexts and taking account of end-users, students give, follow, and debug simple algorithms in computerised and non-computerised contexts. They use these algorithms to create simple programs involving outputs and sequencing (putting instructions one after the other) in age-appropriate programming environments.
– Progress Outcome 2
Students will be given opportunities to look at what an algorithm is, and how to use it to find the most efficient way of doing something. They will be able to test their algorithm and correct where they have gone wrong. This brings in the concept of debugging.
This project is the perfect way to introduce coding to children who have not been exposed to algorithmic concepts. Especially with early learners.
Assessing Your Students
Year 3
- Set 3.1: I can give precise instructions to solve a problem (Move one space to the left)
- Set 3.2: I can describe what I think will happen when I give an instruction
- Set 3.3: I can identify errors in my instructions
- Set 3.4: I can correct errors in my instructions
- Set 3.5: I understand that there are different ways of giving instructions
- Set 3.6: I can find multiple ways to solve a problem
- Set 3.7: I can predict where an object will be by following a set of instructions
Year 4
- Set 4.1: I can break down a problem down into a series of steps
- Set 4.2: I can use symbols to communicate my instructions (R, instead of right)
- Set 4.3: I can test instructions that include symbols and words.
- Set 4.4: I can identify problems (bugs) and fix them (debug)
- Set 4.5: I can write multiple sets of instructions for the same problem
- Set 4.6: I can choose the best instruction to solve a problem
Year 5
- Set 5.1: I can create a written algorithm using symbols and words
- Set 5.2: I can loop repeated instructions
- Set 5.3: I can put my algorithm in a programming environment
- Set 5.4: I can test my algorithm in a programming environment.
- Set 5.5: I can find a bugs and use a simple debugging strategy to fix them
- Set 5.6: I can add to the algorithm in my programming environment (sound, pictures)
- Set 5.7: I understand that computers need clear and precise instructions
Year 6
- Set 6.1: I can create a problem and solve it using an algorithm in a programming environment.
- Set 6.2: I can communicate my algorithm correctly when testing it
- Set 6.3: I can debug a variety of bugs in a programming environment.
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Terms of Use
Everything included in this resource is licensed for a single classroom or family use. It may be photocopied by the original purchaser for his or her classroom only. It may not be put on the internet, sold, or redistributed in any form. If you would like to share this product with your colleagues or friends, please honour the time and energy put into it by purchasing multiple licenses through the avenue you purchased it.
Copying any part of this resource and placing it on the internet is strictly forbidden. This is a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Thank you for respecting the copyright.
