Giving Instructions to a Robot

Robots need help

A robot is a machine. It can move and do jobs. But a robot cannot think for itself.

So we give it instructions. An instruction is one step we want the robot to do.

Let's move a robot

Pretend a robot is standing on a mat. We want it to walk to the door.

We give it steps:

1. Step forward.
2. Step forward.
3. Turn left.
4. Step forward.

The robot does each step in order. Now it is at the door! 🚪

Order matters

The order of steps is very important.

What if we say "eat the cookie" before "open the box"? The robot cannot eat a cookie that is still in the box!

So we must put steps in the right order.

This is called an algorithm

When you put steps in the right order to finish a job, that is an algorithm.

An algorithm is like a recipe. A recipe tells you the steps to make food, one at a time.

Be clear!

A robot only does what you say. So your steps must be clear.

If you say "go over there," the robot does not know where! Better to say "take two steps forward."

Try it!

Be the robot! Ask a grown-up to give you steps, like "take 3 steps, then turn right." Follow them exactly.

Next, learn what coding really is in What Is Coding?, or try building your own steps in Getting Started with Scratch.