Turtles might be slow, but class will zoom by when your pupils build a program in which reptiles draw a grid. Using App Lab and JavaScript, class members build a program to find the most efficient way to draw an image of a three-by-three grid. The closing discussion asks participants how they could determine if their programs are the most efficient they could be. 

Concepts

computer science, computer code, algorithms, problem solving strategies, javascript, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• For class members that may have a hard time figuring out the coding, have them experiment with each command to find out what it does
• Review the directions with the class so they understand they are to only use the commands provided, and that the turtle should end up in its starting position

Classroom Considerations

• You may want to become familiar with programming within App Lab before your conducting the activity with the class
• The lesson is the fourth in a series of 10

Pros

• A video provides a basic tutorial on how to use App Lab
• The activity forces pupils to be creative and thoughtful in their program, because they only have four commands to use

Cons

• None