Activity/Lesson Key Information

Big Idea

How does Matatalab Robots work?  How does Matatalab use coding blocks that read left to right, top to bottom like you would read a book?

Concepts

 Matatalab tangible coding language

Objectives

Help the MatataBot move from the starting point to the target point.
Learning Outcomes:

Learning Outcomes
  • Understand how Matatalab uses coding blocks that read left to right, top to button like you would read a book. 
  • Figure out the steps to get the robot to the flag (target point) using the commands forward, backward, turn left and turn right.
  • Apply other ways to get from point A to point B.
  • Problem solve their ways around the map without crossing into other ones’ flags.
Key Vocabulary
  • MatataBot: A Robot
  • Map: an area for MatataBot to explore
  • Command: instructions given to a computer or robot
  • Move forward: the MatataBot move forward 10cm
  • Move backward: the MatataBot move backward 10cm
  • Turn right : 90º turn to the robot’s right side
  • Turn left: 90º turn to the robot’s left side
Prior Knowledge

No prior knowledge needed.

CSTA(K-2): 1A-CS-01, 1A-CS-02, 1A-AP-08, 1A-AP-10, 1A-AP-11
ISTE: 1a, 1d, 3a, 3c, 4a, 5a, 5c

Detailed Lesson Plan

Lead in & Guided Activity

10mins

1.How to connect the 3 main parts (MatataBot, Command Tower, Control Board) of Matatalab.

1.jpg

 

2.How to set the starting point and the target point (flags).

3.How to let the MatataBot move on the map by using the Motion blocks (move forward, move backward, turn left, turn right).

2.jpg

 

Independent Activity

30mins

Students need to:    

1.Figure out the steps to get the robot to the flag (target point) using the commands forward, backward, turn left and turn right.
2.Apply other ways to get the same flag.
3.Problem solve their ways around the map without crossing into other ones’ flags.

Feedback & Extension

1. “Turn left/right” is not “Move left/right”
2. Students clear up the coding blocks with the teacher.

Questions

Essential questions:

  • What is the MatataBot/Command Tower/Control Board/ Coding Blocks?
  • Is the block “turn left/right” block, or “move left/right” block? 
  • Do you like Matatalab Robot?
  • Have you helped MatataBot move from the starting point to the target point successfully?
Product Related
Coding Set
Supplementary Materials

None