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PILOT · EXPLORE TOGETHER

Little Inventors

Help the robot crab reach the star. One arrow, one discovery!

Four missions to explore with an adult. Suggested ages: 5–7, with shared reading. No grade or timer. Discoveries from this visit disappear when you leave; they do not change track progress.

First, see an example

The robot is on square 1. The → arrow moves it one square right: it reaches square 2. The starting square does not count as a step. Arrows point to the sides of the screen; they do not turn the robot.

Preparing the activity. Meanwhile, explore the example and guide below.

Guide for the grown-up

Read one instruction at a time. Ask the child to point to the start and star, predict, then test. If something differs, ask: ‘Which was the first arrow that did not do what you expected?’ Let the child try a change. They can explain by speaking, drawing or pointing; we do not record these responses.

After the screen: draw another board. Move the star and create a new queue. On another day, try explaining without copying the first solution.

Play on paper

Print the board and cards below, or draw them. Use a finger or a large drawing as the robot. An adult reads the arrows one at a time. Avoid small pieces. Compare with the worked example after trying.

Paper mission: robot on square 9, star on square 3 and rock on square 10. Try reaching the star without crossing the rock.

Guide for the grown-up

Read one instruction at a time. Ask the child to point to the start and star, predict, then test. If something differs, ask: ‘Which was the first arrow that did not do what you expected?’ Let the child try a change. They can explain by speaking, drawing or pointing; we do not record these responses.

After the screen: draw another board. Move the star and create a new queue. On another day, try explaining without copying the first solution.

Robot = start · Star = destination · Rock = do not cross

↑Up
→Right
↓Down
←Left
↑Up
→Right
↓Down
←Left
One solution to check afterwards

↑ → ↑ →: 9 → 5 → 6 → 2 → 3. The robot goes around the rock on square 10. Other paths are possible; compare yours.

2. Order makes a difference

Robot on square 9, star on 6, rock on 10. Test → ↑; then use the same two arrows in a different order. What changed?

One solution to check afterwards

↑ →: 9 → 5 → 6. The order → ↑ meets the rock on the very first move.

3. Count every step

Robot on square 9, star on 12. Arrive in three steps. Does the starting square count as a move?

One solution to check afterwards

→ → →: 9 → 10 → 11 → 12. Four squares visited, three moves. The start is not a move.

Rullstpetbot

AI can make mistakes. Check the lesson material.