Re: MIA, Ask an Expert: preparation activities

[Kathryn Boyle <boyle@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Apr 7, 2006, at 1:41 PM, Ask an Expert - Question wrote:
> from: Vera <vkb@xxxxxxx>
>
>
> What is the best way to get students thinking about
> programming, an introduction that gets their minds prepared
> for what they're about to do with LOGO?  I teach Kinder-8th
> Microworlds, and am introducing the topic next week, so any
> suggestions for those grade levels would be great!  Thanks
> so much...

One beautiful thing about LOGO is that it can do so many different  
things.  Here are just a few ideas:

Have the students write out a "how to"  -- a step by step instruction  
list for how to do something they
like to do.  Then have them share their "how to" with a partner and  
see if the partner can do it with out
mistakes.  This can be a nice pre programming activity.

The younger students might enjoy building a "turtle town"  with  
streets and houses and whatever else
they can think of.  They can build one on the in LOGO on the computer  
and on the floor with blocks.
They can direct the turtle to "visit" different places in the town.

Have the students "discover" the 90 degree turn.  Using FD, BK, RT  
90, LT 90  draw a castle.  Then use
the paint and shapes to add all the finishing touches.  You can even  
make "clickable" parts - maybe a
door that opens, or a King that says a recorded message.

Have fun.

Kathy Boyle
Londonderry School
Harrisburg, PA