Briefing
When it comes to giving instructions, scientists like computer programmers and robotics engineers have to re-train their brains. That's because robots and computers understand EXACTLY what you tell them -- nothing more, nothing less. You'll see how different that is in this Move Crew.
Activity
HOW TO PLAY:
Find a partner and work in pairs. Choose one player to be the "robot" and one to be the "programmer."
Programmers, think of something you want to get the other player to do. It should be fairly simple, but it should involve a few steps. (For example: pick up a pencil, walk across the room, and put the pencil on a desk.)
Guess how many steps you think it will take to get them to do it. Write the number down on a piece of paper.
Now, give your instructions, one at a time, to your robot. They should be very exact. For example:
1. Take 2 steps toward the pencil.
2. Open your fingers.
3. Move your arm until your hand touches the pencil.
4. Bring your fingers and thumb together to grab the pencil.
And so on.
Speak each command one at a time. (It's like a very exact game of Simon Says) Write down each command that works.
Robots, follow the instructions EXACTLY. Do whatever you're told, but don't do anything you aren't told to do. You can move only the parts of your body that the Programmer tells you to move. If something isn't exact enough (like "Go get the pencil") say "Command not understood ? try again!"
When you're done, count the number of commands it took to get the job done, switch places and start over.
Debriefing
How many steps did it take to do the job? More than you expected? In real life, problems that seem easy to a person often have to be broken down into several commands in order for a computer to follow them. If the wording isn't precise, the whole program can break down!
If you've got your Case Journal, answer the questions in it now!