Lesson Plan Title:
Grade R Coding and Robotics Lesson Plan: Introduction to Input, Processing, and Output
Materials Needed:
– Computer or tablet with a simple coding application (e.g., ScratchJr)
– Interactive whiteboard or projector
– Printed worksheets with simple diagrams of input, processing, and output
– Markers and crayons
– Sample robotic toy (optional but beneficial)
Learning Objectives:
– Students will be able to define input, processing, and output.
– Students will identify examples of input, processing, and output in everyday life.
– Students will demonstrate a basic understanding of how coding involves these three components.
Vocabulary:
1. Input – Something you put into a system (like pressing a button).
2. Processing – The action performed by a system based on the input received (like the computer thinking).
3. Output – The result produced by the system (like the screen lighting up).
4. Code – Instructions given to a computer or robot to perform tasks.
5. Robot – A machine that can be programmed to perform tasks.
Previous Learning:
Students have engaged with basic concepts related to cause and effect and have some familiarity with using tablets or computers through games and other interactive activities.
Anticipated Challenges and Solutions:
– Challenge: Students might find it hard to understand abstract concepts.
– Solution: Use concrete and familiar examples like pressing a button to turn on a light.
– Challenge: Limited attention span.
– Solution: Incorporate short, engaging activities with frequent changes in task type.
Beginning Activities (4 minutes):
1. Introduction to Learning Objectives: Explain to the students in simple terms what they will learn today. For example, “Today, we will learn how to tell a computer or robot what to do!”
2. Activate Prior Knowledge: Ask students about times they have used a tablet or computer and what happened when they pressed different buttons.
Middle Activities (32 minutes):
1. Direct Instruction (10 minutes):
– Use the interactive whiteboard or projector to show a simple diagram of input, processing, and output. Explain each term with a straightforward example:
– Input: Pressing a button on a robotic toy.
– Processing: The toy’s internal system thinks about what the button press means.
– Output: The toy moves forward.
- Guided Practice (15 minutes):
- Use a simple coding application like ScratchJr. Demonstrate a short code that makes a cat move when a button is pressed. Show how the input (button press), processing (ScratchJr understanding the command), and output (cat moving) work together.
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Allow students to come up to the tablet/computer and try pressing the button to see the result.
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Independent Practice (7 minutes):
- Distribute worksheets with simple pictures of different input and output examples (e.g., pressing a button on a toy, typing on a keyboard). Ask students to colour and match inputs to their corresponding outputs.
End Activities (4 minutes):
1. Exit Ticket Activity:
– Ask students to draw one example of input, processing, and output they learned and share it with the class or a partner. For instance, they could draw someone clapping (input), the sound being made (processing), and the sound being heard (output).
Assessment and Checks for Understanding:
– Observe students during guided practice for correct identification of input, processing, and output.
– Review worksheets to ensure students correctly matched inputs and outputs.
– Use the exit ticket drawings and explanations to check individual understanding of the lesson content.
Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners:
– For learners needing extra support: Provide verbal prompts and one-on-one assistance during guided practice.
– For advanced learners: Extend the independent practice by asking them to create their simple code sequence using the ScratchJr app.
Teaching Notes:
– Ensure the lesson is interactive and visually stimulating to keep students engaged.
– Incorporate simple, relatable examples to make the abstract concepts accessible.
– Use frequent checks for understanding to ensure pupils grasp the foundational elements.
– Ensure all students can physically access the materials by providing necessary accommodations for those with disabilities, such as larger print worksheets or assistive technology for the tablet/computer.
This lesson plan aims to provide young learners with a basic understanding of coding and robotics through engaging and age-appropriate activities.