Since Esplora is participating in European Code Week 2020, we thought it would be fitting to celebrate the theme of coding throughout the whole month of October by offering a few coding and technology-related activities at the science centre, and coding-related activities online as well!
In today’s digital world, coding is as important as any other language or subject. Without coding, computers would do nothing. Even though you may not realise it, you come into contact with computers every single day – be it on your desk, or inside an appliance or a device. Can you imagine yourself not having a mobile phone, not having access to the internet, not having a microwave, not having traffic lights in the streets or not being able to google information?
 |
 |
We’re able to use all this technology thanks to programmers who code and give instructions to computers to be able to carry out different tasks according to what we need. From self-driving cars to robot-assisted surgery to social media, computer science and programmers are changing every aspect of our lives. And the demand for programmers is on the rise!
But did you know that you don’t need mobiles, tablets or any other kind of device to learn about coding and computational thinking? Coding unplugged activities are activities that use resources such as paper, colours and movement to bring coding and computer science to every home and school across the world.
Think about your morning routine. What do you do from the moment you open your eyes until the moment you leave your house? Now break it down into steps as though you’re giving instructions to someone else so that they can follow your routine. Sounds simple right? Believe me, it’s not. Just take a look at this sweet video to see how we take certain things for granted when giving instructions to someone else:
Now take up the challenge yourself – your kids can be the programmers, and you can be the computer! Start your coding unplugged journey by asking your kids to write down a set of instructions to prepare a sandwich, any sandwich, and then make it.
In this case, the kids are going to write what is called an algorithm, which contains step-by-step instructions to complete the sandwich-making task. You, the computer, are then going to execute the programme by making the sandwich. BUT you must follow the instructions to the letter. Remember, computers do not make assumptions and can’t understand what’s in the programmer’s head unless it’s written down.
As they’re writing the algorithm for the sandwich, they will probably forget a few key instructions – it’s not a problem…this is the learning part! The key point is to be as detailed as possible and to not give up. Ask them to re-write their instructions until you are able to successfully make a sandwich.
We’d love to see how your kids did in this challenge! If you post a video, tag us on social media @esploramalta
In our next activity, we have provided you with a set of steps which you need to put in order to complete a task. Again, in this activity, the kids can be the programmer and you can be the robot (ZED) that follows the instructions given.
Resources:
Code a Human Instruction Cards
Start the activity by reading this short story:
Every month ZED, Esplora’s robot, meets with visitors at the science centre. But before doing so, ZED must complete a series of tasks. Your job today is to use the instruction cards provided and to place them in order, step-by-step, to write an algorithm to code ZED to move from one task to the next. ZED will then walk across the grid, following the instructions given, until all 6 tasks are completed.
Use the floor to lay your instructions one after the other. Once you are happy with your algorithm, read them out to ZED. Avoid the obstacles! If there is a problem, re-write your algorithms by changing, removing, or adding more instruction cards and read them out to ZED again.
Task 1: ZED needs weekly maintenance. Code ZED to walk to the MAINTENANCE card.
Example of how the instruction cards should be placed:
(starting from START position)
Task 2: ZED has an LED that has stopped working. Code him to the LED card so that it can be fixed.
Task 3ZED needs to be programmed to carry out a conversation with visitors. Code ZED to walk to the CODE card so that Esplora’s programmer can give him the necessary instructions.
Task 4: Code ZED to walk to the TEST card. The programmer needs to make sure that ZED has understood what he needs to do by carrying out a test run.
Task 5: Give ZED a good clean. Code him to walk to the CLEAN card.
Task 6: Finally visitors can meet ZED! Code ZED to walk to the MEET ZED card and meet visitors!
We hope you enjoyed the activity! Let us know how it went by sending us a message on social media @esploramalta.
European Code Week brings together more than 80 countries and aims to bring coding and digital literacy to everybody in a fun and engaging way. In response to COVID-19, they’ve developed a set of coding@home resources! Why not go and give them a try?
