Introduction to Bee Bots

Overview

The focus of this 45-minute lesson for Year 1 students is to introduce the concept of coding and algorithms in the context of the UK National Curriculum for Computing. The lesson aligns with Key Stage 1 Computing standards, particularly the objective: “Understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise instructions.”

Students will use Bee Bots, a tactile and interactive tool, to develop their understanding of sequencing, logical thinking, and basic programming. This hands-on lesson combines creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork to engage young learners in new and exciting ways.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand that a Bee Bot follows a series of programmed instructions (an algorithm).
• Be able to program a simple sequence of movements for a Bee Bot.
• Demonstrate cooperation and problem-solving skills by working in pairs to complete a challenge.
• Begin to predict the outcome of their algorithms and debug any errors.

---

Materials and Equipment

• 6 Bee Bots (1 for every pair of students)
• Large Bee Bot floor mat with grid squares (ideally themed, such as a treasure map or cityscape)
• Masking tape for optional customised grids
• Bee Bot control cards with directional arrows to aid understanding (one set for each pair)
• A small collection of objects (to act as obstacles or destinations on the grid, e.g., toy apples, miniature buildings, or coins)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Stickers or certificates for effort and achievement

---

Lesson Structure

1. Hook (5 minutes)

Engage the class with a short story about a lost Bee Bot.
Say: “Our little Bee Bot has lost its way! It can only listen to instructions to move. Can you help it find its way home?” Use your tone and movement to make this moment exciting and relatable for Year 1 pupils.

Show the Bee Bot to the class and let them take a moment to react and share observations. Highlight fun features like the bee design and colourful buttons, and explain that Bee Bots listen to instructions, just like we listen to directions to find our way.

Use the whiteboard to draw a simple picture of a Bee Bot moving from one place to another. Explain:

• Each arrow button is an instruction.
• The Bee Bot follows the instructions one at a time, in the order you press them.

National Curriculum Tie-In:
Introduce the term "algorithm" as a set of instructions that we give to the Bee Bot. Remind students that this is what they're learning today.

---

2. Demonstration (10 minutes)

Show how to use a Bee Bot using simple, clear steps:

1. Point out the directional buttons (forward, backward, left turn, right turn).
2. Explain the "Go" button makes Bee Bot start following your commands.
3. Demonstrate pressing buttons to create an algorithm to move the Bee Bot a few steps forward.
4. Playfully create an incorrect algorithm, and show how to "debug" it by clearing the memory with the "X" button and re-entering the steps.

Activate Prior Knowledge: Ask students to think about following instructions for other activities, e.g., a dance or getting dressed.

Tip: Keep the demonstration interactive by asking students to "vote" on what button they think should be pressed next.

---

3. Guided Group Practice (10 minutes)

Divide the class into pairs and distribute one Bee Bot, a themed grid mat, and directional control cards to each pair.

1. Challenge 1: Ask students to guide the Bee Bot from one start point to one destination (clearly marked on the mat, e.g., move from the house to the toy shop). Use a simple algorithm for this first activity (e.g., forward → forward → turn).
2. Monitor the pairs, ensuring they are using the cards to sequence their algorithm first before inputting the commands into the Bee Bot.
3. Once the Bee Bot successfully reaches the destination, celebrate their success! Offer a small challenge to extend their learning if they finish early (e.g., introduce an obstacle that the Bee Bot has to navigate around).

Teacher’s Tip: Praise teamwork and effort. These are key skills for young learners and reinforce enthusiasm.

---

4. Independent Challenge (15 minutes)

Challenge 2: Introduce a more complex task on the grid, such as guiding the Bee Bot to collect objects or treasure by stopping at multiple destinations. Add small obstacles that they must avoid, encouraging logical thinking and debugging.

Provide guiding questions as you circle the room:

• “What will the Bee Bot do if you press these buttons?”
• “Can you find where your algorithm might need fixing?”
• “Is there a shorter way to get around this obstacle?”

Encourage students who finish early to create their own routes or “missions” for their Bee Bot and test them.

---

5. Reflection and Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

Bring the class together and reflect on the activity. Ask questions like:

• “What was the most fun part of using the Bee Bot today?”
• “What is an algorithm? Why are they important?”
• “Did anyone make a mistake? Were you able to fix it?”

Congratulate the class for their teamwork and thinking skills. Hand out stickers or certificates for effort, debugging success, or teamwork. Finally, thank everyone for helping the Bee Bot “find its way home.”

Extension/Home Idea: Suggest students talk with their grown-ups about other situations where they follow instructions, such as baking or building a toy, to reinforce the concept of algorithms.

---

Differentiation Strategies

• Support for Less Confident Learners: Pair them with a more confident peer or provide pre-written sequences as templates to adapt.
• Challenge for More Confident Learners: Encourage them to invent their own grid layouts or create multi-step instructions that include obstacles.
• Visual Aids: Provide laminated visual prompts (arrows on cards) to help with planning their algorithms.

---

Assessment

Observe students and assess their progression based on:

1. How well they understand the relationship between buttons and movement.
2. Whether they can create and execute a basic algorithm.
3. Ability to debug when something goes wrong.
4. Collaboration and teamwork during group work.

---

Endnote for Teachers: Bee Bots provide a tactile introduction to algorithms and programming, making them an incredible way to inspire computational thinking in young children while reinforcing UK curriculum goals. Enjoy watching your students take their first steps into technology with curiosity and excitement!