Lesson Content_Melissa Richardson

Description of Lesson Content: The lesson will encompass the programming language, Logo. The end goal will be to provide instruction on using an applet to program a ladybug to move through a maze

Objectives: The learner will

-make connections between early Logo and the lesson
-assess the steps needed to navigate a ladybug
-navigate a ladybug through a maze
-explain steps to navigate the ladybug through a maze

Part 1:

Intro: The learners will be asked a question, “What is Logo?” to help gauge prior knowledge. Following the discussion from learners, a brief overview, examples (screen-shots), and the purpose of early Logo will be provided to help participants make connections with the lesson.

Task: You will each become programmer of an improved version of Logo titled “ Ladybug Adventure”. You will be responsible for programming a ladybug through a maze. Add creative aspects to the movement of the ladybug (twirls, zig, zag, circles, etc.). Once your programming is complete you will recite your steps to a “tester” (partner) to test that your programming successfully navigates the ladybug through the maze.

Part 2:

Demonstration: The learners will be guided through the Ladybug Adventure website they will use to program the ladybug (tools, features, etc.) The learners will be provided with a demonstration of the features they will use to navigate the ladybug through the maze. A comment/question session will follow.

The learners will be paired up and assigned a breakout room. The learners will be given additional information concerning the programming/tester roles. After the learners have completed the activity they will reconvene in the main room.

Conclusion/Discussion: The participants will be asked to share their programming/tester experiences and asked questions. The learners will be asked the following questions, “What challenges and/or successes did you find using the program?” “How does this version of Logo relate to the earlier version?” “What academic lessons/activities could be taught with this program?”