The Badge Archive

Morning Routine Events

Fulfills Steps 3 and 5 of GSUSA Brownie Coding Basics badge requirements.

Info Needed for Step 3 of badge requirements: Events in programming are actions or occurrences that trigger a response. Pressing a keyboard button: When you press a key, it types a letter on the screen. The key press is the event, and typing the letter is the response. Clock reaching 2:00 p.m.: If an alarm is set for 2:00 p.m., it goes off when the time reaches that point. The time change is the event, and the alarm going off is the response. Entering a dark forest in a video game: When you enter the dark forest, monsters appear. Entering the forest is the event, and the appearance of the monsters is the response.

Info Needed for Step 5 of badge requirements: Scouts all have a morning routine. Each are a little different. Do they wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast, and then go to school? Do they wake up, eat breakfast, then get dressed before going to school? When an event happens, it changes the routine. Examples: It’s school picture day. I need to wear a nicer outfit than normal. I’m out of eggs for my normal scrambled egg breakfast. I’ll eat cereal instead. It’s raining outside. I have to grab an umbrella today.

Items Needed

  • Paper or a whiteboard
  • Marker or pen for writing

Instructions

  1. As a troop, work together to write out a basic morning routine. Include steps like waking up, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and getting dressed.
  2. One by one, each scout should suggest an event or change that could affect the routine. Examples:
    • “What if the alarm clock didn’t ring on time?”
    • “What if breakfast ran out, and you had to cook something new?”
    • “What if it rains, requiring an umbrella?”
    • “If you ran out of bread at lunch, you may need a trip to the store.”
  3. Discuss how these interruptions would modify the routine and require new steps or adjustments to the algorithm. Talk about why it’s important for algorithms to adapt to unexpected changes, both in daily life and in computer programs.

Sample Algorithm

  • Wake Up: The alarm goes off, and it’s time to get out of bed.
  • Get Dressed: Choose clothes for the day and get dressed.
  • Breakfast: It’s time for a healthy meal to start the day.
  • Wash Up: Brush teeth and wash face to start the day fresh.
  • Pack Backpack: Backpack is packed with everything needed.
  • Check the Weather: A quick glance outside or at the weather.
  • Put on Shoes and Jacket: Get ready to head out the door.
  • Head to School: Walk/bike, take the bus, or drive to school.
Tia Kennard