Be the Robot

Give instructions that really work.

01 · Read the story

Meet Mina and Sami

Sami wants his paper robot to reach a star. The robot follows each arrow exactly - even if Sami forgets a step.

02 · Discover the idea

What can we learn?

An algorithm is a clear sequence of instructions. Traditional programs follow rules. AI can also use algorithms, but following instructions alone does not mean a machine has learned.

About this activity: Our pretend robot follows fixed arrows; it is not a machine-learning model.

03 · Build and debug

Program a robot to reach the star.

Choose arrow instructions. Step through them to see exactly where the robot goes. Rocks cannot be crossed.

Algorithm experiment

The robot board

Start: bottom-left. Goal: top-right. Avoid the two rocks.

Build instructions

Choose directions, then test each instruction.

Build a program to begin.

Important: This robot follows fixed instructions. It does not learn, plan or use AI. Ask what happens when a command is missing or a rock blocks the path.

04 · Review what happened

Choose, check, and explain.

There is no timer. If you make a mistake, learn from the explanation and try another question.

Question 1 of 30 correct

05 · Try it together

Family activity

Put a toy on the floor. Ask a family member to guide you with short commands. Try leaving out a command and see what happens.

06 · Reflect

Talk about it

How could you make instructions clearer for someone who has never played before?

No answers are collected or sent anywhere. An adult can guide the conversation.