Programming a Code-a-Pillar

This lesson introduces the beginning concepts of coding. Students will learn with a programmable caterpillar or code-a-pillar that will be coded to reach an end point.

Author: Kayla Horn
Subject: Computer Science
Grade Level: K-2
CS Domain: Algorithms and Programming
CS Principles: Collaborating Around Computing, Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems
Standard Framework: Wyoming CS
Materials: Think and Learn Code-a-Pillar

OVERVIEW

Activity Overview:

This lesson introduces the beginning concepts of coding. Students will learn with a programmable caterpillar or code-a-pillar that will be coded to reach an end point.

Meta description

  • Subject Area: Computer Science
  • Grade Level : K-2
  • Computer Science Domains:
    • Algorithms and Programming
  • Computer Science Principles:
    • Collaborating Around Computing, Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems
  • Materials:
    • Think and Learn Code-a-Pillar
  • Considerations:
    • Have fun with the students!

Lesson Plan

Overview

This lesson introduces the beginning concepts of coding. Students will learn with a programmable caterpillar or code-a-pillar that will be coded to reach an end point.

ASSESSMENT PRE/POST-TEST

Pre test questions

  1. Can you make the code-a-pillar move?
  2. Can you change the sequence of the code-a-pillar?
  3. Can you code the code-a-pillar to reach an end point? Post test questions
  4. Did you make the code-a-pillar move?
  5. Did you change the sequence of the code-a-pillar?
  6. Did you code the code-a-pillar to reach an end point?
  7. Did the code-a-pillar make it to the end point?

OBJECTIVES

  1. Work in small groups to program or code a caterpillar.
  2. Work in small groups to get the caterpillar to start and finish to a designated spot.
  3. Learn about the importance of algorithms or step-by-step procedures.

CATCH/HOOK

I will show the students a Youtube video of the code-a-pillar and how it works.

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

  1. I will introduce the code-a-pillar by playing a short Youtube video.
  2. After the video, I will show the students how to take the code-a-pillar apart, change the sequence, and put it back together.
  3. I will talk about the start point and end point that we want the code-a-pillar to follow.
  4. I will also explain what an algorithm is and how we will code the code-a-pillar by using a step by step process to complete his task by getting to the end point.

Supplements

Any items in this section are the property & under the license of their respective owners.

REVIEW

Follow the lesson plan and plan ahead to make sure you have all the materials.

STANDARDS

TypeListing
CS DomainsAlgorithms and Programming
CS PrinciplesCollaborating Around Computing, Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems
Other Content Standards2.AP.A.01 2.AP.C.01