Attention to all young coders! Today, let’s explore the world of programming with our friend MatataBot by undertaking fun coding activities. This cute little Robot needs your help—he overslept and needs to complete his morning tasks before rushing off to work. The best part? You get to help him out by programming the shortest route to get everything done!

The Challenge

Activity Name: Hurry Up! | Time: 45 minutes | Appropriate Age: 7-9 years old

MatataBot has three important tasks to finish before he can leave home:

1. Go to the restroom
2. Change clothes
3. Eat breakfast (which includes preparing breakfast first!)

Now, here’s the catch: he has to do this as quickly as possible! Your job is to figure out the simplest route MatataBot can take, and then code it using tangible coding language.

Getting Started

Let’s break down what you’ll be doing in this lesson:

1. Planning the Route: As a group, you’ll need to sit down and map out the best way for MatataBot to complete his tasks. Think about which tasks can be done at the same time or in the quickest order.
2. Coding the Program: Once you’ve decided on the route, it’s time to code! You’ll use Matatalab’s Lite coding mode to program MatataBot’s movements.
3. Testing and Debugging: After you’ve programmed the route, you’ll test it to see if MatataBot can complete his tasks. If he is not able to make it in time, don’t worry! You’ll debug your program to fix any errors and try again.
4. Iterating: Finally, think about how you can simplify your program. The goal is to make it as short as possible while still getting everything done!

Planning the Route

As you gather with your group, start brainstorming. Here’s an example route you might consider:

1. Go to the restroom (first task)
2. Enter the kitchen (to prepare breakfast)
3. Prepare breakfast
4. Leave the kitchen
5. Change clothes
6. Back to the kitchen (to eat breakfast)
7. Eat breakfast
8. Exit the home (now ready for work!)

This sequence allows MatataBot to complete his tasks without doubling back unnecessarily—except for the kitchen since he needs to prepare breakfast before eating

Coding Time: Fun Coding Activities!

Now that you have a route planned, it’s time to translate that into code! You’ll be using specific commands to direct MatataBot.

• Each command represents a movement or action.
• Sequence matters, especially when tasks depend on each other (like preparing breakfast before eating).

As you code, keep an eye out for any potential shortcuts. Maybe there’s a way to combine tasks or reorder them for efficiency!

Testing Your Program

Once your code is ready, it’s testing time! Send MatataBot on his adventurous journey and watch him complete the tasks.

• Did MatataBot miss any tasks?
• Did he take too long to complete any part of the journey?
• Are there any errors in the sequence of commands?

After fixing any issues, try running the program again. Remember, coding can be mastered only by using trial and error technique!

Iteration and Simplification

Now that you’ve got a working program, challenge yourselves to simplify it. Can you reduce the number of commands while working with fun coding activities? Perhaps you can combine some movements or eliminate unnecessary steps. The shorter the program, the better!

Wrapping Up

At the end of the lesson, each group will present their solution. This is a great time to share what you learned and what challenges you faced.

Here are a few questions to ponder during your presentation:

• Did you complete today’s task?
• Which group created the shortest program?
• What was the most tedious part of the project? What did you find most interesting?
• Did you encounter any problems while coding? How did you solve them?

Sharing experiences helps everyone learn fun coding activities, and you might even pick up new tips from your classmates!

Helping MatataBot navigate his morning tasks teaches us not just about programming, but also about problem-solving and teamwork. Remember, coding isn’t just about getting it right on the first try-it’s about exploring, testing, and improving! So next time you wake up late, remember MatataBot and think about the best way to get everything done in a hurry. Happy coding, everyone!

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