This Lightbot Jr 4 Coding Puzzles app also includes:
Learning how to write computer code has never been so much fun! Given control of their very own robots, children create simple programs in order to solve a series of challenges and develop their problem solving skills.
Concepts
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App Overview
The goal is simple; get your robot to turn on all of the lights. Using visual icons that represent specific actions, young programmers create a sequence of commands, or code, that results in their robot successfully navigating the grid and accomplishing its objective. Five different levels of difficulty are available to choose from, with each one offering a short tutorial that introduces new commands and concepts to use in completing the challenges. With the levels and puzzles getting progressively more difficult, this resource is a great way to develop children's critical thinking and problem solving skills!
Level 1: Basic
- Progresses from writing simple three-step programs to a twelve-step program
- Includes nine different challenges
- Offers four basic command options
Level 2: Jumping
- Progresses from writing four-step programs to twelve-step programs
- Introduces the jump command
- Includes nine different challenges
- Offers five different command options
Level 3: Overloading
- Progresses from writing four-step programs to twelve-step programs
- Introduces special spaces like teleporters and elevators
- Includes nine different challenges
- Offers five different command options
Level 4: Procedures
- Progresses from writing four-step programs to twelve-step programs
- Introduces the concept of procedures for making code more efficient
- Includes eight different challenges
- Offers five different command options
Level 5: Loops
- Progresses from writing four-step programs to twelve-step programs
- Introduces the concept of loops for performing repeated tasks
- Includes seven different challenges
- Offers five different command options
Curator Rating
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Adherence to task
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Worth the money
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Fun factor
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Scaffolding of learning
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User safety
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Control and feedback
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How techie do I need to be?
Novice
Instructional Ideas
- If projection technology is available, introduce this app by completing a couple challenges as a whole class, discussing the problem solving skills necessary for writing computer code
- Create a worksheet or graphic organizer that supports students with using words to describe how to complete each challenge before writing the code
- Offer this resource as an independent or partner activity for early finishers during math or science lessons
Classroom Considerations
- Resource does not allow for multiple user accounts on a single device, but challenges can be replayed after being completed a first time
- App does not include any advertisements or links to social media, making it safe for children of all ages
Pros
- User friendly interface makes coding accessible to all elementary and middle school students
- Offers the option of playing the game with a male or female robot character
- Allows users to retry each challenge until they are successful
Cons
- None