Computer Science
Grade 1
20 min
Drawing with Rusty
Use instructions to make Rusty draw simple shapes.
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define an algorithm as a set of steps.
Identify that the order of steps is important.
Create a simple algorithm to draw a shape.
Follow a sequence of instructions to predict an outcome.
Give clear, one-step instructions to a 'robot' friend.
Find a mistake in a short sequence of instructions.
Have you ever told a friend how to build a LEGO® tower? LEGO®️ You gave them instructions!
Today, we will meet Rusty the Robot. 🤖 He loves to draw, but he only knows how to follow our instructions. We will learn to give Rusty a list of steps, called an algorithm, to draw cool pictures!
Real-World Applications
Following a recipe to bake cookies 🍪
The steps to get ready for school 🎒
Instructions for playing a new board game 🎲
Playing 'Simon...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
AlgorithmAn algorithm is a list of steps to finish a task. It's like a recipe! 📜To brush your teeth: 1. Get toothbrush. 2. Put on toothpaste. 3. Brush teeth. 4. Rinse.
InstructionAn instruction is one single step in an algorithm. It tells you what to do. ➡️A single instruction is 'Move forward one step'.
SequenceSequence is the order of the steps. The order is very important! 🔢You put on your socks *before* you put on your shoes. That's the right sequence.
RobotA robot is a machine that follows instructions. Rusty is our drawing robot! 🤖A robot vacuum cleaner follows instructions to clean the floor.
ProgramA program is a set of instructions for a computer or robot to follow. 💻Our list of drawing steps for Rusty is a program.
3
Core Syntax & Patterns
Rusty's Commands
Rusty only understands four commands.
We must use these exact words to tell Rusty what to do. He doesn't understand other words.
Command: Move Forward ⬆️
MOVE FORWARD
This tells Rusty to draw a line one square forward.
Command: Turn Right ➡️
TURN RIGHT
This tells Rusty to turn his body to the right. He doesn't draw when he turns.
Command: Pen Up / Pen Down 🖊️
PEN UP / PEN DOWN
PEN DOWN tells Rusty to start drawing. PEN UP tells him to stop drawing and just move.
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
Rusty's instructions are: Pen Down, Move, Move, Pen Up, Turn Right, Move, Turn Right, Pen Down, Move. What does the drawing look like?
A.square
B.The letter H
C.Two parallel lines
D.plus sign (+)
Challenging
To draw a square, your code is: Pen Down, Move, Turn Right, Move, Turn Right, Move, Turn Right. What is the LAST command needed to finish the square?
A.Pen Up
B.Move Forward
C.Turn Right
D.Pen Down
Challenging
Your algorithm makes a small square. To make a BIG square, what part of your 'Repeat 4 times: [Move Forward, Turn Right]' algorithm needs to change?
A.The 'Turn Right' command
B.The 'Repeat 4 times' part
C.The 'Move Forward' command (make it longer)
D.You need to add 'Pen Up'
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