Unplugged Lesson

Beginner

40 mins

Teacher/Student led

+50 XP

What you need:
IWB/Projector/Large Screen

The Pattern Robot

Get ready to program your robot to create stunning patterns! You'll explore how patterns are repeating rules, using coloured objects to build sequences. Follow step-by-step instructions to learn coding basics and predict what comes next in fun, hands-on activities.

Learning Goals Learning Outcomes Teacher Notes

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1 Introduction
2 Patterns
3 Learn the Code
4 The First Algorithm
5 Change the Code
6 Build and spot the repeat
7 Name the loop and predict
8 Apply on paper like artists
9 The Grand Reveal

1 - Introduction

Today, we're going to learn how to make our robot create amazing patterns! We see patterns everywhere—on our clothes, in the floor tiles, and in our favorite songs. A pattern is a rule that repeats. Our robot loves to follow rules, and today it will follow a set of instructions to make a colorful pattern.

Materials Needed:

Worksheet: A handout with a series of empty boxes in a single, long row.
Colored Objects: Two or three different colors of small objects, like pom-poms, LEGO bricks, or even colored tokens. These will be your "code blocks."

2 - Patterns

Begin the lesson by showing the students some examples of patterns in the classroom. Point to the stripes on a shirt, the sequence of colours on a box of crayons, or the pattern of tiles on the floor. Ask them what they see that repeats. This helps them connect the idea of a pattern to the real world.

3 - Learn the Code

Explain that a pattern is made from a short set of commands, called a code block.

As a class, you will all follow the same code block.

Show the following simple sequence of three or four of the Code Cards for the students to see.

4 - The First Algorithm

This game helps children spot a repeating rule and say what comes next.

Show the strip to the class. Read it aloud together in rhythm. “Red, blue, red, blue…” Point left to right. Pause at the blank box. Ask, “What comes next?”

Invite one child to tap their answer. If it’s right, cheer and restate the rule. If it’s wrong, reread the strip together and try again.

Start simple with two colours and three boxes. Grow to four or five boxes, then try three colours.

Ask thinking questions: “What repeats?”, “How do you know?”, “Does the rule change if we start here?”

What Comes Next?

Choose a code block, then press New Question. Tap the colour that comes next.

Code block:

Show:

Pick a code block to begin.

5 - Change the Code

Now you can repeat this process with a different patterns using the generator below!

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This lesson is copyright of DigitalSkills.org 2017 - 2025. Unauthorised use, copying or distribution is not allowed.

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The Pattern Robot

Teacher Class Feed

1 - Introduction

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2 - Patterns

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3 - Learn the Code

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4 - The First Algorithm

What Comes Next?

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5 - Change the Code

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