Introduction to Programming Languages Coding and Robotics Primary 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4

Lesson Plan: Coding/Robotics Primary 3 First Term, Week 4

Subject: Coding/Robotics
Class: Primary 3
Term: First Term
Week: 4
Age: 7 years
Topic: Introduction to Programming Languages
Sub-topic: Understanding Basic Programming Languages
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Define a programming language.
2. Name at least three programming languages.
3. Explain the basic purpose of programming languages.
4. Identify examples of how programming languages are used.

Keywords

• Programming
• Language
• Code
• Commands
• Instructions

Set Induction

Ask pupils if they know how to talk to a computer. Explain that we use special languages to tell computers what to do.

Entry Behavior

Pupils understand basic computer operations and steps for simple tasks.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Flashcards with names of programming languages
• Pictures of code examples
• Videos showing simple coding activities

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Discuss how giving instructions to people is similar to giving instructions to computers using programming languages.

Embedded Core Skills

• Logical thinking
• Sequencing
• Problem-solving

Learning Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Instructional charts

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Primary 3

Instructional Materials

• Flashcards
• Pictures
• Videos

Content

Understanding Basic Programming Languages

1. Definition of Programming Language: A special language used to write instructions for a computer.
   • Example: Just like we use English to talk to each other, we use programming languages to talk to computers.
2. Examples of Programming Languages:
   • Scratch: A simple, visual programming language for beginners.
   • Python: A popular language used for many applications.
   • JavaScript: A language used for making websites interactive.
3. Purpose of Programming Languages:
   • To create programs that tell the computer what to do.
   • To solve problems and perform tasks on a computer.
4. Examples of Programming Uses:
   • Creating games
   • Making websites
   • Controlling robots

Evaluation

1. A programming language is used to give ______ to a computer. (a) pictures (b) instructions (c) stories (d) songs)
2. Scratch is a ______ programming language. (a) difficult (b) simple (c) boring (d) long)
3. Python is a ______ programming language. (a) person (b) game (c) website (d) popular)
4. JavaScript is used for making ______ interactive. (a) books (b) cars (c) websites (d) songs)
5. We use ______ to talk to computers. (a) codes (b) songs (c) pictures (d) dances)
6. Scratch is good for ______. (a) beginners (b) adults (c) robots (d) websites)
7. Python can be used for ______. (a) cooking (b) making games (c) singing (d) drawing)
8. Programming languages help ______ solve problems. (a) games (b) computers (c) people (d) dogs)
9. JavaScript makes websites ______. (a) pretty (b) slow (c) interactive (d) quiet)
10. We write ______ to tell computers what to do. (a) books (b) stories (c) code (d) music)
11. Programming can help control ______. (a) robots (b) toys (c) animals (d) cars)
12. Scratch uses ______ to teach programming. (a) pictures (b) videos (c) blocks (d) sounds)
13. Python is used by many ______. (a) students (b) singers (c) programmers (d) dancers)
14. JavaScript works on ______. (a) TVs (b) radios (c) websites (d) books)
15. A programming language is a ______ language for computers. (a) special (b) simple (c) regular (d) secret)

Class Activity Discussion

1. Q: What is a programming language?
   A: A programming language is a special language used to write instructions for a computer.
2. Q: Can you name a simple programming language?
   A: Yes, Scratch is a simple programming language.
3. Q: What is Python used for?
   A: Python is used for many applications, including making games and websites.
4. Q: What is JavaScript used for?
   A: JavaScript is used for making websites interactive.
5. Q: Why do we use programming languages?
   A: We use programming languages to create programs and solve problems on a computer.
6. Q: What can you create with Scratch?
   A: You can create games and animations with Scratch.
7. Q: Is Python easy to learn?
   A: Python is popular because it is easy to learn and use.
8. Q: What kind of websites use JavaScript?
   A: Interactive websites use JavaScript.
9. Q: How do programming languages help us?
   A: Programming languages help us write code to tell computers what to do.
10. Q: What is code?
    A: Code is the set of instructions written in a programming language.
11. Q: Can programming languages control robots?
    A: Yes, programming languages can control robots.
12. Q: How does Scratch teach programming?
    A: Scratch uses visual blocks to teach programming.
13. Q: Who uses Python?
    A: Many programmers and students use Python.
14. Q: What makes a website interactive?
    A: JavaScript makes a website interactive.
15. Q: Is a programming language the same as English?
    A: No, a programming language is a special language for computers.

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, “Understanding Algorithms.”
Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic, “Introduction to Programming Languages.”
Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to give their own contributions and the teacher corrects the pupils when and where necessary.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain what programming languages are using simple terms.
• Show examples of different programming languages.
• Use flashcards and pictures to illustrate the names and uses of programming languages.
• Demonstrate simple coding activities using Scratch or Python.

Learners’ Activities

• Identify different programming languages from flashcards.
• Participate in simple coding activities.
• Discuss how programming languages are used in everyday technology.

Assessment

• Pupils will answer 10 evaluation questions related to the topic.

Evaluation Questions

1. What is a programming language?
2. Why do we use programming languages?
3. Name a simple programming language.
4. What is Python used for?
5. How does JavaScript help websites?
6. What can you create with Scratch?
7. Who uses Python?
8. What makes a website interactive?
9. Can programming languages control robots?
10. How does Scratch teach programming?

Conclusion

The teacher goes round to mark the pupils’ work and does the necessary corrections.

More Useful Links

• Basic Robotics Concepts Coding and Robotics Primary 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5
• Simple Coding with Scratch Coding and Robotics Primary 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6
• Building Simple Robot Coding and Robotics Primary 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 7