Resources

Data projector linked to a computer, IWB whiteboard or screen, Roamer(s) Roamer Pen pack and large sheets of paper.

Introduction/ revision

Remind class how to program the Roamer. Ask class to suggest what instructions would be needed to make the Roamer draw a square. Once the correct instructions have been discovered write them on the board. Use the pen pack and paper to show class how Roamer will draw a square. Remind the class that Roamer will not respond until 'Go' is pressed.

Explain repeat command and ask class to predict what repeat command would draw a square. Write these instructions on the board.

Key Vocabulary

Repeat, commands

Main Activities

Show the class Superlogo. Demonstrate how to write basic commands. Ask class to suggest commands to get the screen turtle to draw a square.

Discuss with the children the different step sizes of the Roamer and screen turtle and the fact that we do not have to tell the turtle to go.

Give the children Pupils' Worksheet 1 (Microsoft Publisher doc) and ask them to predict the commands to draw a square and another shape. Try these out in Logo.

When they have written the commands ask them to try to use the repeat command to draw the shapes. Name their shapes.

Work in pairs to try out their commands in Logo.
Teachers' answer sheet (Microsoft Publisher doc)

Plenary

Discuss the shapes which pupils have drawn. What commands did they predict would draw these shapes on the screen? How did they have to change their predictions when they tried them out in Logo, and why?