The Badge Archive

Program a Friend

Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Daisy, Brownie, or Junior Coding Basics badge requirements.

Items Needed:

  • Pen/pencil and paper for each scout pair.

Instructions:

Computers need clear, step-by-step instructions to perform tasks. If the instructions (code) are unclear, there will be bugs, and the program won’t work correctly.

  1. One partner is the “coder” and the other is the “robot.”
  2. The coder decides on a simple task for the robot, like “walk across the room.”
  3. The coder gives the robot step-by-step instructions (an algorithm) to complete the task.
  4. Robots must follow the instructions exactly as given.
  5. If an instruction is wrong or not clear enough, it will cause a bug, and the algorithm needs to be fixed.
  6. Switch roles when done.

Make it more challenging

Increase the difficulty of the task the “robot” needs to perform as needed, based on your scout’s level. Possibilities:

  • How to lay Tangrams in the right order to create a specific shape.
  • How to use building blocks to build a tower.
  • How to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich.
  • How to draw a snowman (or other simple object made of shapes).

For Brownies and Juniors – explain Sequencing: You must follow the algorithm in the right order to reach the correct ending. That’s called sequencing: following the steps in the right order.

Tia Kennard