Learning Intention
- I can use a variable to make a robot speak a count
- I can use a conditional to make a robot count up to a certain value
Introduction
What did we learn to do last week? (Make a variable called 'Count' to keep a count in ones, twos, fives and tens, and make Picoh start counting from a set number.) Today, we are going to continue with our work on the variable Count to make Picoh continue counting until it reaches a certain number. We will start by getting Picoh to say the number it is counting.
Teacher Input
Ask children to create a program that counts up in 2s. Can they work out how to make Picoh speak the value of the Count variable? This can be achieved by dragging the variable Count into the `say` instruction. Once successful, the children can open the code they wrote last week and add the say instruction so that Picoh speaks in all the counting tasks.
Can you make Picoh stop counting when it reaches 100? There are a number of ways of doing this. Children may suggest using repeat. To make Picoh stop counting when it gets to 100, which part of the code do you think we have to change? (We need to go to the Control palette and change the `forever` instruction to a `repeat until` instruction.) We will need an operator to fit inside the empty hexagon. Have a look on the Operators palette to see which operator you think we need. What do you think needs to go in the operator's two spaces? Save the project as 'count up to 100'.
Activities
Create a program that counts up in 2s and makes Picoh speak the value of the Count variable.
Can you make Picoh stop counting when it reaches 100?
Can you make Picoh count back in tens? Picoh must start at 200 and stop when it gets to 100.
Can you make Picoh count back in fives? Picoh must start at 250 and stop when it gets to 200.
Can you make Picoh count back in twos? Picoh must start at 100 and stop when it gets to 20.
Extension
Can you make Picoh open and close its mouth while it is counting so it appears to talk?
Plenary
Encourage children to share their scripts for making Picoh move its lips as it speaks. Which are the most effective?
Key Points
- Drag a variable into a `say` instruction to make Picoh speak its value.
- `repeat until` (Control palette) runs a loop until a condition becomes true.
- A hexagonal operator from the Operators palette builds the condition.
- Use a negative step to count backwards.
- Tick the variable on the Data palette to watch the count.
Need Help?
If you're stuck on any part of this lesson, check out these resources: