Fun with Bee-Bot
Blog Post #9-
For my CT project I had the challenge of creating a lesson plan for second graders using the Bee-Bot. My group and I decided to make our lesson plan about computer science for second graders. We hoped that by the end of our lesson students would be able to understand data input and sequencing while playing with the Bee-Bot. After the lesson students would be able to record an algorithm and successfully program a Bee-Bot.
We decided to start our lesson with the class as a whole. We would have students gather in a common space in the classroom, like the carpet and teach them about algorithms using the unplugged method. Because the students are young, we thought it would be a good idea to gradually introduce a complex subject in computer science like algorithms. Our unplugged activity would be us picking a volunteer from the class and asking them to complete a task following a very specific set of instructions that would help them complete the task. The point of this unplugged activity is for students to see the importance of directions. For example, if I asked a student to walk to the tissue box across the room, I would have to give him a specific set of directions as to how many steps he should take, which way they should turn etc. This activity would introduce the students to the idea of an algorithm.
Next we would actually introduce the Bee-Bot. We would explain the different buttons on the robots back and teach them that just like the volunteer, it is important to give the Bee-Bot specific instructions to help him complete his tasks. As a class we would practice making the Bee-Bot go forward and making simple shapes like a square. Once the teacher has a good idea of the students understanding they would break up into groups of four or five and they would be given a challenge. The challenge that we would have them complete was to have each group have the Bee-Bot complete a maize. It is their task to have the Bee-Bot travel from the flower, through the maize, and to the honey pot where they finish. It is also their responsibility to write down the instructions that they program into the Bee-Bot. This will enforce the importance of directions and how to write an algorithm.
We would assess our students progress with algorithms and the Bee-Bot by keeping them in their groups and having them create their own maize! I think that this is a great way to get students to see the creative side on computer science because they get to create their own puzzles and solve them with the Bee-Bot! It is important for students to once again record the directions that are necessary for the Bee-Bot to get its desired destination! It is crucial that the teacher walks around to each of the groups and sees that they are comprehending the principles of algorithms.
I think that the Bee-Bot is a a great way for students to get introduced to algorithms. Bee-Bot offers a fun and interactive way for students to become and engaged and for teachers to incorporate robots into learning inside the classroom. Not only can Bee-Bot be used for teaching computer science but also other subjects in school! The Bee-Bot is a versatile tool that can be incorporated into teaching anything from math to history! I look forward to creating lesson plans in the future with robots, especially the Bee-Bot!!
For my CT project I had the challenge of creating a lesson plan for second graders using the Bee-Bot. My group and I decided to make our lesson plan about computer science for second graders. We hoped that by the end of our lesson students would be able to understand data input and sequencing while playing with the Bee-Bot. After the lesson students would be able to record an algorithm and successfully program a Bee-Bot.
We decided to start our lesson with the class as a whole. We would have students gather in a common space in the classroom, like the carpet and teach them about algorithms using the unplugged method. Because the students are young, we thought it would be a good idea to gradually introduce a complex subject in computer science like algorithms. Our unplugged activity would be us picking a volunteer from the class and asking them to complete a task following a very specific set of instructions that would help them complete the task. The point of this unplugged activity is for students to see the importance of directions. For example, if I asked a student to walk to the tissue box across the room, I would have to give him a specific set of directions as to how many steps he should take, which way they should turn etc. This activity would introduce the students to the idea of an algorithm.
Next we would actually introduce the Bee-Bot. We would explain the different buttons on the robots back and teach them that just like the volunteer, it is important to give the Bee-Bot specific instructions to help him complete his tasks. As a class we would practice making the Bee-Bot go forward and making simple shapes like a square. Once the teacher has a good idea of the students understanding they would break up into groups of four or five and they would be given a challenge. The challenge that we would have them complete was to have each group have the Bee-Bot complete a maize. It is their task to have the Bee-Bot travel from the flower, through the maize, and to the honey pot where they finish. It is also their responsibility to write down the instructions that they program into the Bee-Bot. This will enforce the importance of directions and how to write an algorithm.
I think that the Bee-Bot is a a great way for students to get introduced to algorithms. Bee-Bot offers a fun and interactive way for students to become and engaged and for teachers to incorporate robots into learning inside the classroom. Not only can Bee-Bot be used for teaching computer science but also other subjects in school! The Bee-Bot is a versatile tool that can be incorporated into teaching anything from math to history! I look forward to creating lesson plans in the future with robots, especially the Bee-Bot!!
Yay! I like Beebot too. Great reflection! I like that you described the whole lesson not just the part of using Beebot but also add the unplugged activity. More reflection on what you have learned and how this experience could benefit you as a future teacher would be great!
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