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ICT at key stages 1 and 2    (Year 2)

Unit 2D: Routes: controlling a floor turtle
Section 2: SHORT FOCUSED TASKS

QCA

Objectives
Children should learn:
  • key idea: that control devices follow instructions which can contain numerical data
  • technique: to use the appropriate keys to make the floor turtle go forward, backward, left and right by using instructions, such as forward 5, right 1

Activities

Outcomes
Children:
  • Discuss the basic instructions followed by the floor turtle and show the children how to enter these instructions. They will need to be shown how to clear the memory and how to enter instructions one at a time.
  • Place objects in front of, behind and to the left and right of the floor turtle. Objects should be placed so that children only have to give two or three instructions for the floor turtle to get to them. Explain that the floor turtle has no eyes and that it will need to be told how many paces to travel. Ask the children to predict the instruction which will make the floor turtle move to each object. Encourage them to use units bigger than one or two and limit the number of instructions required. Ask the children to take turns to enter instructions and check their predictions.
  • enter instructions to control the floor turtle
  • predict the results of different instructions
  • check their predictions by programming the floor turtle

Points to note
Place objects in positions that do not require difficult angles as this may confuse children. Program the floor turtle to make 90 degree turns only. Discuss how two separate instructions can produce the same result, eg forward 2, forward 3 would get the same result as forward 5. Children will need to develop an idea of scale of movement.

Children should be encouraged to discuss how control technology can be used and to think about devices which follow instructions, eg remote-sensing devices such as the Mars rover, bomb disposal devices, medical equipment. Children could look on the Internet for pictures produced by remote-sensing devices.

Sections in this unit

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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
1. SETTING THE SCENE
2. SHORT FOCUSED TASKS
3. SHORT FOCUSED TASKS
4. SHORT FOCUSED TASKS
5. INTEGRATED TASK