Program a Friend

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In this activity (on page 2), one person "programs" the other like a robot to move through a space, trying to get them to avoid obstacles and reach a goal. The idea is that computers and robots are programmed with step-by-step instructions. As the blindfolded "robot" moves through the space, the "programmer" writes down the steps for repeating later. This process of fixing problems in programs as they arise is known as "iterative testing." [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Large room
  • Supplies to use as obstacles: pillows, chairs, etc.
  • Blindfold
  • Pencil/Pen
  • Paper

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Computing
      • Computer Science
    • Engineering
      • Computer Engineering
    • Technology
      • Information and Communication
  • Mathematics
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Informal Categories

  • Computers
  • Physical Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • hear
  • be mobile

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, ESI-0206403