Algorithms vs a jam sandwich

We have moved on to our next computing unit which is understanding an algorithm. An algorithm is a clear set of instructions that we give to a computer to fulfil a task that we need it to do. Unfortunately, if the instructions aren’t clear then the computer will become confused. To help with their understanding, the children had to help Miss Shields make a jam sandwich but unfortunately this didn’t go to plan. The instructions Miss Shields received resulted in questionable jam sandwiches.

First, she was told to spread the butter on the bread then spread the jam on the bread. So children were quite surprised when this happened.

Another set of instructions was to get out the bread, get out the butter and get out the jam but children weren’t happy when I plopped these on the table and not the actual bread.

After a couple of failed attempts, children refined their instructions, however, they forgot to tell Miss Shields to use a knife so they were quite surprised when she spread the butter and jam with her hand. They then remembered to tell me that I needed to use a knife.

By following the unclear instructions, children were able to start understanding that an algorithm has to be clear instructions so that a computer knows exactly what to do and doesn’t get confused.

The role of a nurse in Crew Ramsay

In today’s expedition lesson, the children spoke about the role of a nurse to which they were shocked a nurse can be either male or female as many of them thought all nurses were female. The children were given scenarios and used their acting skills alongside a few props to recreate the scenario with their partner. Lots of discussions were happening alongside lots of great acting!

Roald Dahl Day

Crew Ramsay have been working in mini crews on their tables, carefully using fine motor skills to create a green paper chain to resemble a crocodile from the linked text “The Enormous Crocodile”. They challenged themselves to see who could create the longest one. Table 2 came out in first place, however, in true crew style we decided to make one enormous crocodile by adding everyone’s together and created a “crew crocodile”.

Inventions

After a quick recap of last weeks lesson, Crew Ramsay have been designing their own inventions. Miss Shields modelled her own invention before children were able to work independently on their own. We had cupcake machines, a machine that built castles, a machine that dropped balloons from the ceiling or made birthday cakes on demand.

Expert Visit!

Crew Ramsay and Crew Barber had a very special visit from our local Firefighters today! We learned about their Firetruck and even had a go sitting in the cabin! This was a lovely ending to our first case study about Firefighters!