BeeBots are an engaging, hands-on way to introduce sequencing, algorithms, programming and debugging to primary and elementary students. In this introductory activity, information will be presented in a clear and concise way so that students can collaborate to plan, create, and run a program. Students will correct through debugging as necessary. The attached resource includes vocabulary and tips for using BeeBot with students. 

Students will use Bee-bots to code the robots to a value matching their selected coin card. They’ll count the coins, create a code with arrow cards, and navigate the Bee-bot from the start box to the designated value. After reaching the target, they’ll explain their coding and counting choices. Then, they’ll return to start, allowing their partner to take a turn. This activity is also compatible with the Learning Resources Code and Go Mouse.

The lessons included in the attached Google Slides incorporate standards from Computer Science, Math, Language Arts, and Physical Education. The lessons all focus on conditional statements (IF, THEN, ELSE) and can easily be adapted to fit any grade from kindergarten to fifth grade. 

The student will learn a dance and identify the pattern, then create a dance routine in both repeating and growing patterns. Students will also understand and identify simple loops.

This is a list of basic vocabulary with definitions and/or examples that will be used in elementary classrooms K-5 when teaching the concepts of algorithms and programming. 

Students will be able to retell a fairy tale by coding a path using story event pictures. Students will be able to translate an algorithm into a program.

This is a link to the printable resources to accompany the lesson Algorithms and Programming (link below).

The materials include printable coding cards and math equations for an unplugged math game. The students will work together to create algorithms in order to solve mathematical equations.

Link to Lesson Plan:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-eArOYRBrJnFK1Q4tt5fBvwt1wmYoCOMVd8yOWhhM-4/edit?usp=sharing

In this lesson, students will code a robot to move on a grid toward certain objectives.

Lesson plan for early elementary grades to support understanding of an algorithm. At the root of all computer science is something called an algorithm. The word “algorithm” may sound like something complicated, but really it’s just a list of instructions that someone can follow to achieve a result. To provide a solid base for the rest of your students’ computer science education, we’re going to focus on building a secure relationship with algorithms.

Students will:
List steps to move character around a map
Arrange directions to reach predetermined goal
Predict where character will land, given a list of steps

Set students up for programming success by creating a BeeBot anchor chart!These editable instructions will help students identify their role as planner or driver and set clear expectations of how Bee-Bot is used in computer programming. Tips:Introduce Bee-Bot whole classMake sure students understand the importance of the clear (x) button to erase the previous codealways press clear first to signal a new code (like how a capital letter signals the start of a new sentence) Plan the program in developmentally appropriate steps (some students program one step at a time, while others can program to the end goal)Turn the Bee-Bot off and use it as a game piece to write successful algorithmsHave students write their plan, or algorithm, on a whiteboard instead of using the cardsThe Bee-Bot emulator is perfect for guided practice!   

Students will love programming their "robot teacher" to maneuver around the classroom in this introductory coding lesson. Basic computer science concepts are defined and applied as students work together to plan, create, and test algorithms. Students will recognize that programmers are the brains behind machines and technologies. 

Students will use directional cards and dice to navigate an obstacle course in a predefined sequence.

Students will explore sequencing (including ordinal numbers); and simple loops (patterns and repetition) using the pea plant life cycle. This is a hands-on learning opportunity for students to investigate the algorithms in the natural world around us. Students will gain insight into loop, repeating, and sequence patterns, they will also debug and brainstorm what to do if the pattern is broken. 

The student will be given magnetic cubes to create a loop and identify what each color represents needed to understand patterns,  looping and sorting.

This lesson consists of two sections. First, students will explore with a Sphero Indi and document its responses to different color mats. Then, students will use the color codes to navigate their Sphero Indi to the correct letter completing four different patterns.

Students will code the Sphero Indi robots to build words that match a picture based on a phonics skill. Students will need to use the color codes to figure out what each code means to drive the car over the correct letters needed to spell the words.

This resource is a 7-slide presentation detailing 5 goals students should have in mind when creating an algorithm. This guide targets younger learners in primary grades. It is available as a PowerPoint and a PDF.5 goals when trying to write an algorithm.● Defining the problem clearly● Breaking the problem down into small, simple parts● Define the solution for each part of the problem● Implementing the solution● Making it efficient (eventually)

In this lesson students will relate the concept of algorithms back to everyday real-life activities by planting a seed. 

After reviewing tips for following instructions, students will use plane figures to create a mystery image using their teacher's algorithm. Unfortunately, the teacher's directions are not very precise. Students will lend a hand by giving detailed feedback to debug and clarify the set of ordered instructions to successfully build a snowman.