Bug - Part of a program that does not work correctly.

Debugging - Finding and fixing problems in an algorithm or program.

Program - An algorithm that has been coded into something that can be run by a machine

Does a robot really “understand” what you say?

Is it worried about getting in trouble if it doesn't do what it's told?

Down means that it automatically goes down until it lands on something.

The hand automatically returns to cup stack after setting down a cup.

Forward means the robot moves one step (1/2 cup width) forward.

Backward means the robot moves one step (1/2 cup width) backward.

Note: Students may not use backward at this age unless they want to build the cup stacks in reverse (which is also okay).

Programmers are not allowed to talk when the robot is working. This includes blurting out answers or pointing out when the robot has done something wrong.

Programmers should raise their hand if they see a bug.

Don't forget to model this in front of the class until students understand all of the rules. If it's still confusing, try running this whole activity together as a classroom using volunteers as robots, instead of breaking up into groups!

Intensify: Are your students more advanced? Do you want this lesson to relate more closely to the online puzzles? Here are some modifications that you can make:

One arrow corresponds to one movement:

When a cup is removed from the stack, it returns to table-level before moving.

Students need to use multiple "up" arrows to lift the cup multiple levels.

Students need to use multiple "down" arrows to lower the cups multiple levels.

Students need to use the "back" arrows to get back to the cup stack.

Be on the lookout for bugs. If you see one, have the robot finish the instructions as best as it can.

Discuss the bug with your partners and come up with a solution.

Keep testing the algorithm until it works!