coding Archives - Page 6 of 10

Field Day Activities for Robots

June 6, 2022 By Deirdre

These activities for robots invite children to use the coding and robotics skills they have learned during the year. A variety of other skills are used to complete each task. Let me tell you about them.

It is important to know angles and what kinds of turns they allow a robot to make.
Being able to figure out the distance a robot will need to move to get to or around or stay away from an obstacle is important.
Selecting the correct speed a robot will need to go and to keep its contact with an object it is moving is important.
Figuring out if a robot needs to do one move or a series of moves is important.
Knowing when you can have a robot complete a series of steps in a loop is necessary.

Robots Used in the Activities for Robots

Dash Robot
Bee-Bot
Sphero
Code and Go Mouse

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Other robots can be used for these activities too. As you will see in the activity pictures, we used the Dash for most of our events. This allowed us to use the Blockly app on our iPads to build codes.

All of the activities can be adapted to use the robots and materials you have available to you.

Activities for Robots

Below you will see a description of each of the field day activities for robots.

Across the World Push

Supplies: Robot, a World Map, World Squishy Ball, and Computer(If your robot requires one to move.)

Goal: Create an algorithm that will move the world ball across the map horizontally and stop at the edge of the map.

Procedure:

Tell students they will need to figure out how to get the robot to move the ball or globe to the edge of the other side of the map. Thinking about how far the robot needs to travel and at what speed will be important.
Remind students that the ball needs to reach the edge and not the robot.
Tell them the robot can push the ball to the edge or use its momentum to move the ball to the edge of the map.
Tell the students that they will need to remember where they place the robot on the map. They will need to start it off from the same spot each time.
Remind them that they will need to debug any part of the algorithm that doesn’t complete the task.
Pass out the maps, balls, and robots. Pass out computers if you need them.
Give the students time to create the algorithm.
Have students share the algorithm with you. They need to be able to replicate their successful task.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Robot Bowling

Supplies: Robot, Large Plastic Cups, and a Computer if the robot needs it.

Goal: Create an algorithm that allows a robot to knock over pins(cups).

Procedure:

Tell students they will need to build an algorithm that allows the robot to knock over a large number of cups.
Show the students how to set up the cups in a bowling pin triangle on the floor.
Tell them that they will need to think about the distance the robot will have to travel to get the cups.
Remind them that they will need to figure out what angle the robot will need to face at the start to knock over the most cups.
Tell the students that they will need to remember where they place the robot at the start of the algorithm. They will need to start it off from the same spot each time.
Have students share the algorithm with you. They need to be able to replicate their successful task.

Hula Hoop Dance

Supplies: Robot, Hula Hoop, and Computer(If your robot requires one to move.)

Goal: Create an algorithm dance that a robot can do in the hula hoop without moving it.

Procedure:

Tell students they will need to figure out how far they can have their robot move without hitting the side of the hula hoop. Take a moment to talk about radius and circumference. Knowing the radius and the circumference of the hoop will help them to know how far the robot can move.
Share that each student in the group should give the robot two or three moves to do.
Remind students that they can run their dance after a person adds their part or when the dance is finished. They will need to debug any part of the dance that causes the robot to make contact with the hoop enough to cause it to move.
Pass out the hula hoops and robots.
Give the students time to create a dance.
Have students share their dance with you. If the hoop moves, give them hints on how to fix or debug their dance.

Bean Bag Balance

Supplies: Robot, Bean Bag, Pool Noodle Cut in Half Lengthwise, and Computer if needed for the robot.

Goal: Create an algorithm that will move the robot from the start line to the finish line without dropping a bean bag.

Procedure:

Tell students they will need to figure out how to get the robot from the pool noodle half placed behind their robot(You can call it the start line.) to the pool noodle half placed about a yard away (You can call it the end line.) without dropping the bean bag.
Tell them that they will need to think about how far the robot needs to travel and at what speed will be important.
If the bean bag falls off the robot, they will need to debug the algorithm and program the robot again.
Have students share the algorithm with you. They need to be able to replicate their successful task.

Shuffleboard Challenge

Supplies: Robot, Small Frisbee, Cup or Lid, Half of a Shuffleboard Mat, and computer if the robot needs it.

Goal: Create an algorithm that allows a robot to earn more than 25 points.

Procedure:

Tell students they will need to build an algorithm or algorithms that will allow the robot to earn 25 points.
Tell them that they will need to think about how far the robot needs to travel and stop to get to each point section.
Remind them that they can earn all the points with one algorithm. If they prefer they can move to one section and then another.
Have students share the algorithm with you. They need to be able to replicate their successful task.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

More Robot Activities for Field Day

Around the Cones

Supplies: Robot, Traffic Cones, and a Computer if the robot needs it.

Goal: Create algorithms that allow the robot to travel in figure-eights around cones.

Procedure:

Tell students they will need to build an algorithm that allows the robot to travel around two cones. It will need to weave back through the cones to get to the starting place.
Tell them that they will need to think about whether the robot needs to travel in diagonals or straight with 90-degree turns. Some children will have more success viewing the task as creating a digital eight on the floor.
Have students share the algorithm with you. They need to be able to replicate their successful task.

Score Points

Supplies: Robot, Ball, Tape, Plastic Bucket or Bin, and a Computer if the robot needs it.

Goal: Create an algorithm that will move the ball from the starting line to the bucket as many times as possible.

Procedure:

Tell students they will need to build an algorithm that allows the robot to push or move a ball into a bin.
Tell them that they will need to think about how they will get the ball and robot back to the start line to earn another point. They can carry the ball and robot back or the robot can return on its own.
Tell the students that they will need to remember where they place the robot on the floor. They will need to start it off from the same spot each time.
Give the students a specific amount of time to score points.
Have students share the algorithm with you. They need to be able to replicate their successful task.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Deliver the Pizza

Supplies: Robot, Pizza Box, Tape, and a Computer if the robot needs it.

Goal: Create an algorithm that allows a robot to push a pizza to a specific location.

Procedure:

Tell students they will need to build an algorithm that allows the robot to push or move a pizza box into a tape square on the floor.
Tell them that they will need to think about the distance and then will need the robot to go.
Remind them that the robot will need to control where the box is going.
Tell the students that they will need to remember where they place the robot at the start of the algorithm. They will need to start it off from the same spot each time.
Have students share the algorithm with you. They need to be able to replicate their successful task.

Robot Tower Knock Down

Supplies: Robot, Large Plastic Cups, and a Computer if the robot needs it.

Goal: Create an algorithm that allows a robot to knock over a stack of cups.

Procedure:

Tell students they will need to build an algorithm that allows the robot to knock over a tower of cups.
Suggest that the students that cups need to be arranged in a three, two, and one pattern. The two cups go on the three. The last cup goes on top.
Tell them that they will need to think about the distance and then will need the robot to go that distance.
Remind them that they will need to figure out what angle the robot will need to face at the start to knock over the most cups.
Tell the students that they will need to remember where they place the robot at the start of the algorithm. They will need to start it off from the same spot each time.
Have students share the algorithm with you. They need to be able to replicate their successful task.

Robot Limbo

Supplies: Robot, Large Plastic Cups, Half of a Long Pole Noodle, and a Computer if the robot needs it.

Goal: Create an algorithm that allows a robot under a limbo stick pool noodle supported by cups.

Procedure:

Tell students they will need to build an algorithm that allows the robot to go under the pool noodle.
Tell the students that they need to create cup stacks that will hold the pool noodle high enough for your robot to pass under.
Remind them that they will need to think about the distance and then will need the robot to go that distance.
Tell the students that they will need to remember where they place the robot at the start of the algorithm. They will need to start it off from the same spot each time.
If the pool noodle is knocked off or the cups fall, they will need to put them back in place.
Have students share the algorithm with you. They need to be able to replicate their successful task.

More Coding Activities

Halloween Words on Algorithm Game Boards

Offline Coding Academy -Muffin Tin Algorithm

How to Make Slime with Liquid Starch Algorithm Coding Activity

How to Make Liquid Starch Slime Algorithm

Five Little Speckled Frogs Algorithm Game Boards

April 17, 2022 By Deirdre

Five Little Speckled Frogs algorithm game boards invite children to create simple algorithm paths with arrows or flies. The set includes pages and flies that are B/W and colored. There is also a set of arrows in the set. However, your children use crayons or pencils to make arrows of their own.

What is an algorithm?

An algorithm is a series of steps a computer needs to follow to complete a task. Children can learn about building algorithms by following a simple algorithm or series of steps.

Downloading the Five Little Speckled Frogs Algorithm Set

First, you will need to download the set.

Five Little Speckled Frogs Algorithm Set Download

Second, if you don’t have Acrobat Reader you will need to download it. The algorithm page is an Acrobat Reader PDF file.

Third, you will need to go to your download file and open the page. You may be asked if you want the file to open right after you download it. If you are, you won’t have to hunt for it in your download file.

Exploring the Five Little Speckled Frogs Algorithm Game Boards

Before having the students start with the speckled frog’s algorithm game boards let them know that there are a number of ways to complete the game boards. If you have a specific path you want them to use, you can walk them through the build. If you want to leave it open-ended, that is fine too.

First, you can work through a part of a game board with your children. It will help them understand how to place the arrows in the boxes. Remember that the arrows or flies should point in the direction they will need to go to move from the box they are in into the next box to connect the numbers in order. They need to begin at the word Start and finish in the box that will lead them to the End box.
Second, children can work with a partner to complete the gameboard. They can take turns placing the arrows or flies in the squares.

Building Background

Before you start exploring the frog gameboards, you may want to read a version of Five Little Speckled Frogs. Below you will find a number of fun frog-themed books.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

More Frog Themed Activities

Frog Coloring Pages and Learning Activities- This set contains 7 frog themed free printables.

Frog Coloring Page and Learning Activities

Leap Frog Straw Rockets

A Week of Frog Printables

April 17, 2022 By Deirdre

Frog printables can explore so many skills! This set of frog printables focuses on math and science skills! Hopping that you find that you can’t wait to share them with your children.

There is a set that focuses on each of the areas below:

Building an Algorithm Offline
Gummy Candy Experiments
An Algorithm Coloring Page
A Frog Life Cycle Page
Coordinate Mapping Activity

A new set of frog printables activities will be shared each weekday this week. Each set will be fun to explore. Please come back each day to check out the new set. The bird worksheets and activities from 3 Dinosaurs will also be shared daily. After you have checked out my set, please take a minute to check out hers.

Frog Printables and Activities

The links learning sets for each day will be placed under the day it is shared. First, the set from JDaniel4’s Mom will be listed. The second set for the day will come from 3 Dinosaurs.

Monday- Five Little Speckled Frog Algorithm Game Boards

Frog Number Word Counting 0 to 10 Book Printable

Tuesday- Frog Life Cycle Mandala Coloring Pages with Algorithms

Free Frog CVC Sorting Vowels with Ending G Sound

Wednesday- Frog Pond Mapping Coordinates

Free Frog CVC Sorting Vowels with Ending G Sound

Thursday- Frog Little Speckled Frog Algorithm Coloring Pages

Free Frog Skip Counting by 3 Puzzles

Friday- Gummy Candy Experiment with Frogs

Free Fog Prewriting Strips for Kids

Downloading the Printables

The Bird Worksheets and Activities are PDFs. Once you have downloaded, the set you will need to open it with a PDF reader like Acrobat Reader.

Building Background

Before you explore the frog activities and printables, you may want to read a book with a frog theme.

The links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Otter Learn About Coding Algorithm Gameboards

July 21, 2021 By Deirdre

Children can learn about coding and building algorithms with this set of otter-themed coding gameboards. They will create a path that connects the word Start to the word End on each gameboard. The boxes will be connected with arrows. The set contains arrows you can print and cut out. Your children can also draw the arrows needed for the coding algorithm path. Although there is more than one way to complete some the algorithm game boards, only one path is shared on the answer key.

Getting Ready for the Coding Algorithm Activity

Printing Out the Otter Coding Algorithm Game Boards

This set of Otter Learn About Coding Algorithm Game Boards has been saved in PDF format. After downloading the set, you will need to have a PDF reader on your computer to open them. You will find that the coding algorithm boards have colored graphics. They don’t have to be printed out in color. After selecting print, you will need to select grayscale as your printing preference.

Building Background

The links below are affiliate links.
You may want to read your children a book about otters. I was recently sent the books Archer Otters and Archer Otters: Megalodon Outbreak. They would be fun to read to your children. Below you will find links to those books and a few more books about otters.

Exploring the Otter Game Boards

You will find that some of the game boards offer a number of ways that your children complete the game boards. Here is how you could introduce your children to the game boards.

First, you can work through a part of a game board with your children. It will help them understand how to place the arrows in the boxes. Remember that the arrows should point in the direction they will need to go to move from the box they are in into the next box to get around the otters. They need to begin at the word Start and finish in the box that will lead them to the End box.
Second, you can give your students the answer key and see if they can replicate it on their own board.
Third, children can work with a partner to complete the gameboard. They can take turns placing the arrows in the squares.

More Algorithm Activities to Explore

A number of algorithm activities exist here on my blog and on my Teachers Pay Teacher shop. Below you will see a few of them.

Halloween Words on Algorithm Game Boards

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Algorithm Page

Offline Coding Academy -Muffin Tin Algorithm

How to Make Liquid Starch Slime Algorithm

Disclaimer: I was sent the Archer Otters book along with a Woodrow & The Bees book to review. I really enjoyed all of the books and decided to create algorithm game boards based on the otter books.

Gross Motor Building Egg Carton Algorithm Activities

March 8, 2021 By Deirdre

This coding and gross motor activity set could be explore in the days leading up to Easter or during a farming unit or any time you like. There is a set of colored action eggs and a set of plain white eggs in the set. It will fun to see how they chose to perform each of the actions. A number of them can be demostrated in a variety of ways.

After creating one set of gross motor activities, it will be fun to build another. It will fun to see how many different algorithms you can build.

What is an algorithm?

An algorithm is a series of steps needed to complete a task. Computers follow algorithms step by step complete the actions and tasks we ask them to do. We can follow an algorithm too.

Downloading the Egg Carton Set

Building Egg Carton Algorithms set has been saved as a PDF. After downloading it, you will need to open it with a PDF reader. Many people like and use Acrobat Reader.

Getting the Gross Motor Egg Carton Algorithm Activities Ready

- - First, you will need to select the carton you wish your children to use.
  - Second, you will need to select the eggs you want your children to use.
  - Third, you will print out the carton and eggs you have selected.
  - Finally, you will need to laminate the carton and the individual eggs. This will allow you to use them over and over again.

Exploring the Algorithm Activities

Your children will need to cover each of the eggs in the bottom row with an action egg.
Then they will write the number of the times they will do each action on the egg right behind it in washable marker
Next, they will demonstrate their algorithm by doing the actions from left to right the number of times they said they would.
Once they have completed their algorithm, they can erase the numbers with a wet paper towel and remove the action eggs.
They are then ready to build a new algorithm.

If you like this coding activity, here are more you will love:

Three Pigs Blockly Block Worksheet

Magical Creatures STEM Coding Algorithm Drawing Activity

Drawing a Cat with a Looping Algorithm

How to Draw a Leprechaun with an Algorithm

February 18, 2021 By Deirdre

Children can learn how to draw a leprechaun by following the steps on these Blockly block- themed pages. The set has three different versions of the How to Draw a Leprechaun page. The first features the steps in pictures. The second displays words and pictures. The final page features the steps in only words.

Deciding Which How to Draw a Leprechaun Page to Use

You can choose which of the pages will be best for your children. Below you will some reasons one page may be better for some children than others.

The Picture Only Page

Children do not need to be able to read to complete this page.
The picture is a little bigger. It is easier to see the picture’s details.
Children will need to look carefully at each picture to see what has been added.

The Picture and the Words Page

What is added to each picture is described by the words.
Children can read the words and focus on that aspect so they can copy it.

The Words Only Page

Your children will create a leprechaun that will be of their own unique design. They will not be copying someone else’s.
It will allow you to see if they were able to read and follow the directions.

Why Are Blockly Blocks Used to Display the Steps

There are a number of online coding programs that use Blockly Blocks to introduce children to coding. The blocks are used to build an algorithm or series of steps needed to complete a task. Learning how to build the steps offline gives children the opportunity to see how they work. It also helps them build an understanding of what different types of Blockly Blocks mean. You will find that this set features only standard function blocks. (I do have directed drawing pages that feature loop blocks.)

Building Background Through Reading

Reading children’s books is a great way to help children build background knowledge on a subject. The books below will help them learn more about leprechauns.

The links below are affiliate links.

Getting the How to Draw a Leprechaun Set

You can download theHow to Draw a Leprechaun with an Algorithm set and open it with Acrobat Reader. The set is a PDF and requires a program like Acrobat Reader to open it up. There are three versions of the worksheet. You can decide which is best for your children. I have also included a copy of each page with a finished leprechaun displayed in the drawing space.

Here are some more coding activities you may want to try:

Offline Printable Coding Games

How to Make Liquid Starch Slime Algorithm

Drawing a Cat with a Looping Algorithm

Valentine’s Day Drawing a Robot with an Algorithm

February 8, 2021 By Deirdre

This set of Valentine’s Day drawing pages contains three versions of a page that invites children to draw a robot. The robot has a Valentine’s Day-theme. You can decide which of the pages is right for your children.

The versions are the following:

Pictures without Words on Blockly Blocks
Pictures and Words on Blockly Blocks
Words without Pictures on Blockly Blocks

What are Blockly Blocks?

They are part of a visual coding language created by Google. Each block features a command or step that needs to be followed to complete the task or in this case a drawing.

Getting the Valentine’s Day Drawing Pages

You can download the How to Draw a Valentine’s Day Robot with an Algorithm onto your computer. You will need to have a PDF reader on your computer to open the set. Acrobat Reader is the one I use.

Before Start the Algorithm Activity

Reading your children, a Valentine’s Day-themed book before starting the activity would be fun. Below you will find some of my favorite Valentine’s Day book.

The links below are affiliate links.

Exploring the Valentine’s Day Drawing Pages

You can have your children work step by step through the algorithm or steps on their own, with a partner or with the class.
The key to creating the robot is to work through one step at a time. Before you have them start drawing, you will want to make sure they understand what they are being asked to draw in each step.
Children may want to erase or debug their picture if they don’t like what they have drawn. Working on the drawing with a pencil will allow them to easily erase.
You may want to have a picture of the finished robot up for your children to see. It might help them visualize what the finished robot should look like. If you think it will keep them from making their own unique robot, you don’t have to show them a finished picture.

Here are some more algorithm drawing activities:

Drawing a Christmas Tree Based on an Algorithm

Thanksgiving Coloring Pages and Algorithm Activity

Magical Creature STEM Algorithm Drawing Activity

Thanksgiving Words on Algorithm Game Boards

October 20, 2020 By Deirdre

This set of algorithm game boards features Thanksgiving words. Your children will have fun connecting the letters on a gameboard with arrows to create the featured word. Some of the game boards will have only one possible algorithm while others will have multiple ways.

Getting Ready for the Thanksgiving Words Activity

Printing Out the Thanksgiving Word Game Boards

This set of Thanksgiving Words on Algorithm Game Boards has been saved in a PDF format. After downloading the set, you will need to have a PDF reader on your computer to open them.

Building Background

This set includes a flashcard for each of the featured Thanksgiving words. Before you start the activity you may want to review what each of the words means.

After that, you may want to read your children a book about Thanksgiving. The books below contain the featured words. By listening or reading a book that features them your children gain a better understanding of each word.

The links below are affiliate links.

Exploring the Thanksgiving Words on Game Boards

You will find that there are a number of ways that you can have your children complete the game boards.

First, you can work through a part of a game board with your children. It will help them understand how to place the arrows in the boxes. Remember the arrows should point in the direction they will need to go to move from the box they are in into the next box.
Second, you can give your students the answer key and see if they can replicate it on their own board.
Third. children can work with a partner to complete the gameboard. They can take turns placing the arrows in the squares.

More Algorithm Activities to Explore

A number of algorithm activities exist here on my blog and on my Teachers Pay Teacher shop. Below you will see a few of them.

Halloween Words on Algorithm Game Boards

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Algorithm Page

Offline Coding Academy -Muffin Tin Algorithm

How to Make Liquid Starch Slime Algorithm

Technology Words on Algorithm Game Boards

October 20, 2020 By Deirdre

One of the technology lessons that is taught to young children is one that explores computer hardware or technology words. You can show children actual pieces of hardware or pictures of it. After that children are usually given a fun way to explore and remember the names of the pieces of hardware. This activity gives children the opportunity to connect the letters on coding game boards. When they have connected the letters in the correct order, they will form a technology word. They will also get to work on building a coding algorithm.

What technology words are explore?

monitor
laptop
computer
keyboard
mouse
headphones

Getting the Algorithm Game Boards

The Technology Words on Algorithm Game Boards were saved in a PDF format. You will need to have a PDF reader on your computer to open them. Each of the game boards has an answer key. Your children may find a different way than the one suggested to build the word featured on their board.

Building Background

Children will need to read a book, view pieces of actual hardware, or look at pictures before starting this activity. Below you will find a few children books that feature computer hard and technology.

The link below are affiliate books.

Exploring the Game Boards

Before your children work on building a word on their own, you will want to work through one together. It will help your children understand what they need to do. Once they understand how to connect the letters with arrows, they will probably be able to do them one on their own. If feel they still need help, you could assign them a partner to work with. Another option is to give them the game board and the answer key. Your children can then try to replicate the answer key on their own paper.

More Coding Activities

Halloween Words on Algorithm Game Boards

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Algorithm Page

Offline Coding Academy -Muffin Tin Algorithm

How to Make Liquid Starch Slime Algorithm

Binary Code for Kids- Spelling Shark Printables

July 9, 2020 By Deirdre

This set of binary code for kids spelling printables focuses on the words shark, tooth, and fin. These shark printables are a fun way to introduce your children to the binary code for alphabet letters. There is a binary code key at the bottom of each page. Children write the code for each letter beside it. Then they will color in the byte or group of circles beside the code. The ones in the code will be filled in. The zeros in the code will be left blank.

What is a Binary Code?

It is the code used by a computer to understand letters, numbers, symbols, and commands. The code uses groups of 8 numbers to represent each letter, number, symbol, and command you type in on a keyboard. The only numbers that the computer can use to create the code are 0’s and 1’s.

Binary code can be confusing. Therefore, you may want to visit Teach Kids Binary in One Simple Stepto to get more information on how to teach it to your kids.

Getting the Shark Printables

First, you will need to download Binary Code for Kids – Spelling Shark Words .

Second, you will need to open the worksheet set in Acrobat Reader. If you don’t have Acrobat Reader, you can use whatever PDF reader you have on your computer.

Third, you will need to print out one worksheet for each of your children. You will notice that the set includes answer keys.

Exploring Coding Before Starting the Activity

Below you will find some wonderful books that talk about coding for kids.

Working on Spelling Shark Words in Binary Code

First, you will want your children to search the binary alphabet chart at the bottom of the worksheet to find the numeric code for each letter. (You may want to let them know that the codes they are working with represent capital letters. Lowercase letters have a slightly different binary code.)

Once they placed each letter’s 0’s and 1’s on the lines, they are ready to move on to coloring the circles next to the code with a pencil. They will leave all the circles that represent 0’s empty. The circles that represent 1’s will be colored in.

After that, you will want them to double-check that they have filled the correct circles. It is easy to mix up which circles need to be filled in and which don’t. It is for that reason I suggested your children will them in with a pencil.

Why Fill in Eight Circles?

A computer uses a group of eight switches to send a binary code. The switches can be turned on or be left off. Each 0 in a binary code represents a switch left off. Each 1 represents a switch turned on. Your children will create a visual of the switches turned on or left off for each letter.

If you like this binary code activity, here are some more coding activities you will love.