A computer follows a program one instruction at a time, very fast.
A program waits in memory until you press run. Then the processor reads one instruction, does it, and moves to the next.
A computer never guesses. It does only what is written, in the order written.
A missing line makes a bug, because the computer skips nothing and adds nothing.
A real processor does billions of tiny steps every second, but it still takes them one at a time, in order.
These are some of the questions on the sets. The printable sheets have more and an answer key.
3. 0 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 3.
In memory. Like the cards on the clothesline.
2. Only two adds happen.
No, one at a time. It reads one instruction, does it, and takes the next.
False. A computer does only what is written.
Ask a grown-up to write four simple instructions on cards, like clap twice, turn around, touch your nose, sit down. Follow them one at a time, exactly as written. Then swap, and write them for the grown-up. Try writing one card badly, and see what the computer does.
Play the Mission together: write four simple instructions on cards, like clap twice or touch your nose, and follow them one at a time, exactly as written. Then swap, and try one badly written card to see what the computer does.
