Beginner
30 mins
Teacher led
What you need:
Bee-Bots

Number Tracer: Bee-Bot’s Digital Path

In this lesson, you'll learn to programme Bee-Bots to trace digital numbers. You'll start by understanding the shapes of digital numbers, then practise tracing them using an interactive game. Afterwards, you'll plan and execute commands for your Bee-Bot to trace numbers on a mat, enhancing your number recognition, sequencing skills, and programming abilities.
Learning Goals Learning Outcomes

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    1 - Introduction

    In today’s lesson, students will explore how to program their Bee-Bots to trace digital numbers.

    We’ll start by familiarizing ourselves with the unique shapes of digital numbers and discussing how they differ from the way we usually write them.

    Using a fun interactive game on the whiteboard, we'll demonstrate how to program the Bee-Bot to trace these numbers step-by-step.

    Then, students have the chance to work with your own Bee-Bot, planning out the commands needed to trace numbers on a mat. This activity will help students practice both number recognition and sequencing skills, as well as improve the ability to plan and execute a series of instructions.

    2 - Digital Numbers

    Start the lesson by showing a short slideshow that features numbers from 0 to 5 in a digital format.

    As you go through each slide, engage the students in a discussion about the shape of each number. Ask them to carefully observe and point out any differences they notice between the digital version of the number and how they normally write that number.

    Encourage them to share their thoughts and observations, highlighting the unique characteristics of the digital format.

    3 - Whiteboard Planning

    After the students have been introduced to the digital numbers, take a moment to reinforce the importance of planning their Bee-Bot’s path.

    Before moving on to the digital practice, have the students choose a few numbers and use their whiteboards to draw arrows and plan the sequence of steps the Bee-Bot will need to trace each number.

    This planning activity will help them think critically about the movements required and will set them up for success when they begin the digital practice. Encourage them to consider each step carefully, ensuring their Bee-Bot follows the correct path for each number.

    4 - Digital Tracing Practice

    Display the game on the interactive whiteboard where the Bee-Bot can trace out digital numbers. Start by demonstrating how to program the Bee-Bot to trace a number. Show the students how the Bee-Bot follows the sequence of commands to create the shape of the number.

    After your demonstration, invite the students to input the commands needed to trace another number on the board.  This interactive approach will help reinforce their understanding of both the digital number shapes and the sequencing of commands.



    5 - Tracing Numbers with Bee-Bots

    Download and print enough digital numbers cards for your class  ➡️

    Provide each group with a Bee-Bot, a mat, a set of digital number cards, and whiteboards for planning their movements.

    Instruct the students to choose a number from the cards and plan the sequence of commands needed to trace it with their Bee-Bot. Encourage them to write or draw the commands on their whiteboards first, ensuring they carefully think through each step before programming the Bee-Bot.

    For an extension activity, pair up the students and have them take turns programming their Bee-Bot to trace a number on the mat without telling their partner which number it is. The partner must then guess which number the Bee-Bot traced based on its movements. This adds an element of challenge and reinforces their understanding of both the number shapes and the programming process.

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