Computers Without Code

Give the robot a plan and watch it run.

Eight topics with nothing to type. Build a list of instructions, press play, and watch a robot follow it exactly: forward, turn, repeat, and choose. When the robot bumps into a wall you have found a bug, and fixing it is the whole lesson.

Class 3 to 58 topicsbeginnerabout 2h 23m

0 of 8 topics complete0%

Start with What Is a Computer?

What you will be able to do

Explain what a computer does in three words: input, work, output
Write a list of instructions clear enough for someone else to follow
Find the one wrong step in a plan that does not work
Use a repeat block instead of writing the same step again and again
Write a rule that chooses between two actions
Put a set of things in order by comparing two of them at a time
Teach a computing idea to a friend using simple words

Topic sequence

Follow it in order. Each topic assumes the one before it.

01What Is a Computer?beginnerClass 3 to 5A computer is a machine that takes something in, does work on it, and gives something back. Your tablet, a traffic light and a calculator all count.15 min 02Where Work GoesbeginnerClass 3 to 5Some work stays only while the power is on. Some work is saved so you can open it tomorrow. Knowing the difference stops you losing homework.15 min 03Exact InstructionsbeginnerClass 3 to 5animated labA computer does what you said, not what you meant. Write steps so clear that a robot could follow them without guessing.20 min 04Fix the PlanbeginnerClass 3 to 5animated labWhen the robot bumps a wall, the machine was not naughty. One step in the plan was wrong. Learn to find it calmly.18 min 05Repeating StepsbeginnerClass 3 to 5animated labWhen the same steps happen again and again, write them once and say how many times to repeat. That is a loop.20 min 06Making ChoicesbeginnerClass 3 to 5animated labSometimes the next step depends on what you see. If there is a marker, turn left; otherwise go forward. That is a choice.20 min 07Putting Things in OrderbeginnerClass 3 to 5animated labSort a messy pile by comparing two items at a time and swapping when the left one is bigger. That is how computers order lists too.20 min 08Teach a FriendbeginnerClass 3 to 5The best way to check you understand a plan is to teach it. Explain input, work and output, then walk someone through the robot lab without skipping steps.15 min

How this path closes

Project

Apply the whole sequence to one build.

Assessment

Quizzes across every topic in the path.

Requirements met

Every topic complete and an average of at least 70% across the quizzes.

Computers Without Code

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