Vocabulary
- Programming language
- A set of rules in which symbols represent actions.
- Behavior
- Actions performed by a robot, defined by the programming language.
- Command
- Instructions used to create behaviors that are executed by the robot.
- Sequence
- The order in which Coder cards are executed one after the other. The order of the Coder cards from top to bottom is the order in which the 123 Robot will perform the actions.
- Bug
- An error in a coding project that causes the 123 Robot to behave differently than was intended
- Debugging
- A process of identifying, finding, and fixing errors in a project to make the robot behave as intended
- Step button
- The orange button on the Coder that slows down the robot's behavior so it only performs one Coder card at a time, making it easier to find bugs in a project.
Encouraging Vocabulary Usage
General notes on encouraging vocabulary usage with young children:
- The goal is to expose students to Computer Science vocabulary, not to make them memorize terms without context. Students will be hearing and using these words in the context of their activities at school, and you can incorporate vocabulary into your conversations at home as well.
- Work vocabulary words into your daily routines, to help students use these words in context. Asking your student to follow a sequence to wash their hands, or about what behavior will help them follow directions the best, to help students connect these Computer Science concepts to their daily lives.
Tips for Encouraging Vocabulary Usage
- Work vocabulary terms into your conversations during the Lab and throughout the rest of the day. The more students hear these words used correctly, in the context of their activities, the better they will be able to incorporate them into their vocabulary and conversation. Try asking students to “follow the correct sequence to line up for recess," as well as what sequence they coded with their 123 Robot.
- How many bugs can you find in a day? Make a game of using vocabulary words by having students find the 'bugs' in their own behaviors, as well as coding projects. Count how many times they 'debug' or 'step' through a 'sequence', to correct their 'behavior'. Not only will you use vocabulary, but you can foster a positive attitude toward debugging at the same time!