Lesson Plan
Logo Programming Game Lesson Plan: Turtle Academy
Grade Levels: 3-5, 6-8
In this logo programming game lesson plan, which is adaptable for grades 3-8, students use BrainPOP resources (including the Turtle Academy online programming game) to explore the popular computer programming language Logo.
Students will:
- Define computer programming.
- Explain how Logo functions as a computer programming language.
- Explore Logo through an online game.
Materials:
- Computers with internet access for BrainPOP
Preparation:
This lesson plan utilizes an online game called Turtle Academy. The game introduces students to the popular programming language Logo which was developed as an educational tool in the 1960s. Logo is a graphic-based computer language that allows students to move a triangular “turtle” to create line graphics in predictable ways. As they successfully complete basic levels, students will encounter more and more complex Logo tasks and commands.Turtle Academy requires a fair amount of instructional reading, so we recommend that educators preview each level to ensure the accompanying informational texts are appropriate for your students.
Lesson Procedure:
- Play the BrainPOP movie Computer Programming to introduce students to the topic.
- Explain that they will have the chance to explore a simple computer programming language called Logo.
- Pair students up to play the game. You may want to consider students' reading abilities when choosing partners, as Turtle Academy requires a fair amount of reading and direction following. If you have several students who may struggle to read the text, consider having them play the game with you in a small group setting.
- Provide approximately 15 minutes for each pair of students to explore the first few tasks in the game.
- Ask students to take a short break from game play to discuss strategies in a whole-class discussion.
- Allow students to continue game play for at least 15 more minutes, encouraging them to work through as many levels as possible. Students can also continue game play at home.
- Use the game quiz to assess student learning.
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