The big ideaA computer does exactly what the steps say. It cannot guess.
How it works
A computer does exactly what the steps say. It cannot guess what we mean.
So we give clear steps, one at a time, in the right order.
If the steps are mixed up, we get a funny result.
Steps for a jam sandwich.
Example 1: Not clear enough
Nia says, put jam on the bread.
Bo puts the whole jam jar on it, lid and all.
A computer does exactly what we say, so we say it more clearly.
Example 2: The wrong order
Jam before bread.
Splat! The jam lands on the table.
The order of the steps matters.
Example 3: Clear steps in order
Get two slices of bread.
Open the jar, and spread the jam with the spoon.
Put the slices together, and Bo has made a sandwich.
🍞bread🫙open the jar🥄spread🥪sandwich
Bo follows every step.
Example 4: Snack robot at home
Make a snack with a grown-up, like fruit on a plate.
Take turns being the robot, who does exactly what the steps say.
If a step is not clear, that is a bug. Fix it together.
Words to know
computer
A machine that follows steps.
step
One thing to do.
order
What comes first, next and last.
clear
Easy to understand.
Watch out
A computer cannot guess what we mean.
Do not skip a step. A computer needs every one.
Do not mix up the steps. Put them in order.
One step at a time is easiest.
Try it
Nia says, put jam on the bread. What does Bo do?
Can a computer guess what we mean?
What comes first: spread the jam or open the jar?
What happens if the steps are mixed up?
Answers: 1. Puts the whole jar on it · 2. No · 3. Open the jar · 4. We get a funny result
Try at homeWith a grown-up, make a snack like a sandwich or fruit on a plate. Take turns being the robot. The robot does exactly what the steps say, and nothing more. If a step is not clear, that is a bug. Fix it together and laugh!
For grown-upsMake a simple snack together and take turns being the robot. The robot does only what each step says and nothing more, so a step that is not clear becomes a laugh and a fix.
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