Children draw polygons on Geoboard Dot Paper based on general descriptions given by their teacher. Children are reminded of how computers interpret instructions and work in partnerships, attempting to write the instructions as though their partner is a computer.
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Children draw polygons on Geoboard Dot Paper based on general descriptions given by their teacher. After comparing results to see that their polygons are similar but not the same, the teacher leads a discussion about how the instructions could be changed to make sure every student draws the exact same shape. Children are reminded of how computers interpret instructions and work in partnerships, attempting to write the instructions as though their partner is a computer.
Partners follow the instructions they receive to draw the shape, being careful not to interpret them beyond exactly what is written. Then, partners compare their drawings with the original shapes and discuss how they could improve the precision and completeness of each of their instructions to make the shapes match more closely. Finally, children discuss what aspects of the instructions helped them accurately complete the drawing, and what made it more difficult, with an emphasis on how computers narrowly interpret instructions.
Children practice describing polygons, as they reinforce different defining characteristics of shapes.
Children practice writing a complete set of instructions in advance, prior to having a partner “execute” them. They also work together to debug their instructions, and note how the outcome improves as they improve the specificity, precision, and completeness of their instructions.