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Young programmers, in Kindergarten and 1st grade, were introduced to the basics of computer programming using Cubetto. This wonderful wooden robot uses hands on play to teach computational thinking, sequence, direction, and functions. Cubetto uses different maps and storybooks that take children on coding adventures. This is the part that students look forward to the most; finding out where Cubetto is traveling to next and helping Cubetto get there! The class has ventured with Cubetto through the first day of school, getting lost in the city, and taking a field trip to the museum to learn about ancient Egypt. They can't wait to find out where Cubetto is off to next!
To help document Cubetto’s travels, each programmer kept a design journal. Each child also had a set of “blocks” that were used to plan out Cubetto’s path to his next destination. Even though there is only one robotic Cubetto, each student created a papercraft version so that they could help visualize directions while working out a problem. It was amazing to see the critical thinking that took place during each adventure.
Design Journal Example
Design Journal: Planning out Cubetto's path on the map. Then translating his path with directional blocks.
Design Journal: Once Cubetto's path was tested and confirmed, success!
Papercraft Cubetto
Top: Cubetto directional blocks.
Bottom: Students practiced identifying patterns and used functions to help lessen the number of blocks needed to get Cubetto to his next destination.
Bottom: Students practiced identifying patterns and used functions to help lessen the number of blocks needed to get Cubetto to his next destination.
Sometimes it helps to see how your solution compares to someone else's.
Each adventure that Cubetto went on required collaboration and discussing the most efficient route. We didn't want Cubetto to get too tired!
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