Grades 1-3: Navigating God’s Creation
Grade: 1-3
Duration: 50 minutes
Topic: Basic coding and navigation using Bee Bots
Overview
In this lesson, students will explore basic coding and directional commands using Bee Bots. The activity will emphasize patterns, decision-making, and how we can rely on God to guide us in life.
Objective
- To introduce basic coding and programming concepts using Bee Bots.
- To understand how patterns and decision-making help guide paths, similar to how God guides us.
- To foster creativity and teamwork while solving navigation problems.
Materials
Lesson Steps
1. Opening Prayer (5 minutes)
Start the class with a prayer, asking God for wisdom and guidance as the students learn about making decisions and following paths.
Suggested Prayer:
“Dear God, thank You for guiding us in life. Help us to make good choices and to follow Your path, just like we guide our Bee Bots today. Amen.”
2. Introduction to Bee Bots and Coding (10 minutes)
- Discussion: Explain to students how Bee Bots are programmed with directional commands (forward, backward, left, right). Demonstrate a simple sequence.
- Connection to Faith: Talk about how God also provides directions and guidance in our lives, helping us make choices.
3. Programming Bee Bots through the Maze (20 minutes)
- Activity: Set up a large nature-themed maze mat. Students will work in pairs to program the Bee Bots to navigate the maze, helping them reach various “destinations” (trees, flowers, animals).
- Catholic Integration: As students guide the Bee Bots, relate the activity to how God guides us through life and helps us follow His path.
4. Reflection and Drawing Activity (10 minutes)
- Activity: Ask students to reflect on how they guided the Bee Bot through the maze. Have them draw a picture representing something they learned from the activity or a Bible story where God gave guidance (e.g., Moses leading the Israelites).
- Sharing: Allow time for students to share their reflections and discuss how we follow God’s guidance in our daily lives.
Catholic Integration
- God’s Guidance: Emphasize how God gives us guidance just as we guide the Bee Bots. Relate this to making decisions that align with God’s teachings.
- Making Good Choices: Discuss how, just as we make decisions for the Bee Bots, we make choices in life that should reflect love and kindness toward others.
Assessment
- Participation in Programming: Observe how well students work in pairs to program the Bee Bots and navigate the maze.
- Reflection Drawings: Assess the students’ understanding of the connection between the activity and God’s guidance.
Closing Prayer (2 minutes)
Conclude with a prayer of thanks for God’s guidance in helping us make decisions.
Suggested Prayer:
“Thank You, God, for helping us make good choices. Help us to always follow Your path and to guide others in kindness. Amen.”
For Parents
Navigating God’s Creation
End of Lesson Plan