Algorithms, Bee-Bots and Roamers.

"An algorithm is a set of steps or instructions to work something out or make something happen.”

There are countless advantages to making use of roamers and bee-bots to give a hands-on, active-learning lesson which will be engaging for children to learn about not only computing and computer science but also can be used cross-curriculum to things like maths and angels. They are also forms of unplugged activities which are useful for schools with tight funding, or have limited resources or computers for children to use.

However, as discussed there are some drawbacks of using these devices. (see table)

despite these, measures can be taken to combat these disadvantages such as having multiple roamers for a classroom if funds can allow. also, there is a Bee-Bot app available which could be used by the children as it works in much the same way as a real Bee-Bot except that it is virtual.

Jackets can also be bought for Bee-Bots so that they can be used across the curriculum to different topics in different subjects for example cars and different animals. Also using multiple bots at a time doing synchronised movement can demonstrate symmetry in an extremely visual way. in English, literature can be used alongside the bot to tell a story for example 'The Little Engine' and 'Rosie's Walk.'

'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' a Bee-Bot could be used to learn the days of the week as the Bee-Bot progresses and also make programme cards as to how far the roamer moves while telling the story.

Similarly with Roamers, to learn aspects of shopping; you could create a trolley for the roamer to use/ pull as it is more robust and stable to a Bee-Bot. The children could use an art lesson to paint aisles and different items and then students could estimate distances etc. they can then record info and re-test through writing algorithms to create more efficient instructions.

With all the cross-curriculum links it will allow multiple subjects to come to life and to enhance the learning process of children. TS1 will be very much focused on when setting a lesson including Bee-Bots as children will make excellent progress by being set challenging activities to stretch them and to develop their skills.

• understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions

• create and debug simple programs

• use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs

-> what the national curriculum says about computational thinking: computer science

PLUGGED ACTIVITY:

Also discussing algorithms within computer science: using screen turtles.

KS2

• design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts

• use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output

• use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs

-creating an algorithm: Break down into small chunks. This allows instructions to be more efficient. THIS IS HIGH LEVEL. Less instructions means higher level. Pupils would be excelling and progressing quickly.

#computing #Crosscurriculum #Maths #Geography #English #TS1