Bee Bot Challenges

Objectives

• Read an algorithm to successfully predict where the virtual bee bot will end up on a map

• Create and test an algorithm using symbolic code to guide the virtual bee bot across a letter map to successfully spell out a name or a word

• Create and test an algorithm using symbolic code to guide the virtual bee bot across a themed map as a method of storytelling

Materials

• A laptop or tablet with internet connection

• A pencil and scrap paper or a printed Bee-Bot Emulator Coding Sheet

Key Questions

• Why is it important to test often?
• What else could coding be used for?
• What other things might use directional coding like this?
• Where else do you use algorithms in your day to day life?

What To Do

Open an internet browser to the Bee Bot Virtual Emulator

Challenge 1: Read an algorithm!

1. Begin on the “Alphabet Mat”
2. Using the arrow buttons on the left, input 5 steps for the bee to do
3. Predict what letter the Bee will end up on
   • For an extension, also predict which direction the Bee will be facing when it arrives there
4. Press the Go button to test out the code
   • Notice that as the Bee executes each arrow in the code it is highlighted in the orange bar where your code is written. This will help you debug your code and further understand how the Bee understands each arrow
5. Press the Home button to return the Bee to it’s starting point
6. Repeat this challenge, adding more steps to the algorithm each time until you’re comfortable describing how the Bee follows and understands the code.

 

Challenge 2: Write an algorithm to spell a word!

1. Begin on the “Alphabet Mat” and having your scrap paper or coding sheet ready.
2. Decide on a word or name that you will try to get your Bee to spell out in one go.
3. Press the Home button to reset your Bee and ensure that you’re building your code from this reset point.
4. Using the arrow buttons on the left side of the page, begin to create a code that will navigate your Bee to the letters of your word. Make sure you now use the Pause button when you’ve guided your Bee to each letter so that it stops for a moment to communicate that the letter it’s on is a part of your word.
   • Try building your code one or two steps at a time, testing often. This will help when you need to debug.
   • Each time you test out your code, if you’re happy with the arrows, note them down on your coding sheet.
   • Remember to return your Bee to Home each time before testing, because you’re writing a code that will spell out the entire word in one go.
5. Swap your written code with a partner when you’re done and have them code their virtual Bee bot to run it and determine what your spelled word is.

 

Challenge 3: Write an algorithm to retell a story!

1. There are many different mats you can use for this challenge: “Country Road”, “Community”, “School”
2. Write or a tell a story that uses your chosen mat as the setting. For example:
   • On the “Country Road” mat, consider that you are going on a nice road trip through the countryside. There are lots of fun pit stops you can take along the way. Tell the story of this road trip, where you plan on stopping, and what you plan on doing there.
   • On the “Community” mat, tell the story of a day in the life of a member of this community and where they go throughout the day and what they do there.
   • On the “School” mat, think about your school schedule and tell the story of a school day and which subjects you study.
3. Using the arrow keys and the pause button on the left side of the page, create your code to match the events in your story.
   • Try building your code one or two steps at a time, testing often. This will help when you need to debug.
   • Each time you test out your code, if you’re happy with the arrows, note them down on your coding sheet.
   • Remember to return your Bee to Home each time before testing, because you’re writing a code that will spell out the entire word in one go.
4. Present your story and demonstrate your Bee code as (or after) you tell the story.
5. For an added extension, swap your code with a partner. Code your Bee to follow their code and write your own story based on it’s path. Compare the story you wrote with the code, to the story they wrote before making the code!

Extensions

• Consider different challenges that could be based on the other mats
• Encourage learners to create the shortest code for each challenge
• For added complexity, try completing the challenges without ever going forward