Supporting children in sequencing, algorithms and logical reasoning
Before using the micro:bit extension blocks in the code for ‘The Flying Dragon’ game, arrow keys were used to ensure that all the keyboard inputs worked correctly. Creating a game like can support children in seeing a relationship between different Scratch blocks and micro:bit extension blocks.
Activity idea: Sequence the code to make the game work
This activity is a step-by-step in writing algorithms for Scratch, where children are required to put together algorithms. This activity is suitable for KS2 pupils where it is required that they are able to use sequence and write simple programs that produce certain outcomes.
This activity is designed to support children in sequencing where they are required to sequence the blocks in a specific way to make the algorithms work correctly. It also requires children to use logical reasoning, where they are able to predict what an algorithm will do when they sequence the blocks together – this will support children in understanding that algorithms need to be precise in order to work.
This activity can support children in understanding programming language where they are required to move blocks around and experiment in designing and implementing code for a programme.
Could this activity be extended?
For children who are confident in understanding algorithms and sequencing, they could be presented with an activity like the image below which details all the code needed for the micro:bit to control the dragon’s position on screen. However, this also includes unnecessary Scratch blocks which are not needed for the game to work, causing children to need to use decomposition and abstraction to discard unnecessary information.
By making the choice to discard different blocks, children will be carrying out the process of logical reasoning where they will predict what will happen when certain blocks are not used.
