Computer Science
Grade 3
20 min
Debugging with a Partner: Working Together
Students will practice debugging code with a partner, sharing ideas and strategies.
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Explain what a bug is and why debugging is important.
Describe the roles of a 'Driver' and a 'Navigator' in partner programming.
Use kind and helpful words to share ideas with a partner.
Explain a simple piece of code to a partner, line by line.
Work with a partner to find and fix one bug in a simple program.
Take turns controlling the computer and giving suggestions.
Have you ever tried to solve a maze with a friend? 🗺️ It's easier when two people are looking for the path, right?
In this lesson, we will become 'Debugging Detectives' and learn how to work with a partner to find and fix mistakes, called 'bugs,' in our computer programs. Working together makes finding clues and solving code mysteries much easier...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
BugA mistake or error in a computer program that stops it from working the way it should.You code a cat to say 'Meow!' when you click it, but instead it spins in a circle. The spinning is a bug.
DebuggingThe process of being a detective to find and fix bugs in your code.You look at your code blocks and realize you used a 'turn 15 degrees' block instead of a 'say Meow!' block. Changing it is debugging.
Partner ProgrammingWhen two people work together on one computer to write or fix code.You and your friend sit at the same computer to make a game. One person types while the other helps read and find ideas.
DriverThe person in partner programming who uses the mouse and keyboard to change the code.Your partner suggests changing the backgroun...
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Core Syntax & Patterns
The Driver and Navigator Roles
One person is the Driver (hands on keyboard), one is the Navigator (eyes on code, voice for ideas). Switch roles often!
Use this pattern to make sure both partners get to participate. The Driver's job is to listen and type. The Navigator's job is to think and talk. A timer can help you remember to switch every 5 minutes.
Talk It Out Loud
Explain what the code is supposed to do, one block at a time, to your partner.
This is like reading a story out loud. When you say what each block does, you can often hear the mistake yourself. Your partner can also ask questions like, 'Wait, why did you use that block?'
One Change, Then Test
Make only one change to the code at a time, and then run the program to see what happens.
If...
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
Alex is the Driver and Ben is the Navigator. Alex types a `move 10 steps` block. Ben says, 'That's a dumb idea. Use a 'glide' block.' What two things are going wrong in this partnership?
A.The Navigator is being unkind, and the Driver isn't listening.
B.They forgot to set a timer, and they are working on the wrong bug.
C.The Driver is a Keyboard Hog, and the Navigator is a Silent Partner.
D.The Navigator is trying to use the keyboard, and the Driver is talking too much.
Challenging
A team is working on the 'Silent Dragon' problem. The Navigator says, 'I see the code says `when space key pressed`, then `play sound meow`. What do you think the problem is?' Why is this a good way for the Navigator to talk?
A.It's not good; the Navigator should just tell the Driver the answer.
B.It explains what the code is doing and asks the Driver to think with them.
C.It blames the Driver for making a mistake.
D.It's the fastest way to fix the problem without talking.
Challenging
Your team's goal is to make a character jump when the up-arrow is pressed. It spins instead. Your partner, the Navigator, is being a 'Silent Partner.' What is the BEST first step to get your partner involved?
A.Tell the teacher your partner isn't helping.
B.Fix the bug by yourself as quickly as you can.
C.Tell them they are being a 'Silent Partner' and need to talk.
D.Ask them a specific question, like 'Can you read the first block of code out loud to me?'
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