Driving Towards the Future - Virtual
Participants will be introduced to coding and will give instructions to program a car.
This workshop is a digital version of the Lending Library "Driving Towards the Future" kit. It introduces students to coding and allows them to practice simple commands that may be used to program a self-driving car! Students will get to work through various scenarios and provide examples of coding in their everyday life.
What You Need
It would be helpful for participants to have a pen and paper, but not required!
Volunteers/coordinators are encouraged to design their own scenarios to add a fun twist.
PowerPoint:
Activity Overview:
Safety Notes
Ensure you are familiar with Let's Talk Science's precautions with respect to safe virtual outreach to youth.
What To Do
Facilitators will need to download the PowerPoint presentation that contains speaker notes. There is also a workshop overview that explains the general timing for the workshop.
The facilitator will:
- Introduce the concept of coding and self-driving cars.
- Work through an example of how to write a command.
- Encourage participants to select the correct commands for various scenarios that increase in difficulty. Repeat commands and "if/then" commands are discussed.
- Facilitate a discussion on self-driving cars and the future of programming in society.
- Answer questions that the participants may have.
After the students have shared their answer, the slides are animated (upon clicking) to show the appropriate command. The facilitator is encouraged to read out the commands while the car is executing the functions. There are three scenarios in total. Each scenario introduces new concepts in coding (simple instructions, repeat function, "if/then" statements).
Discovery
This activity shows how coding can be used to program a self-driving car. It introduces the concept of coding how to write specific commands.
Digital literacy is becoming increasingly more important in a digitally driven world! It's a great way to introduce students to the concept in an approachable manner.
If it is an older class, facilitators could also encourage reflection on how coding can impact their day-to-day lives in the future - i.e., will they feel safe in a self-driving car? You can also omit any of the coding commands that may be too advanced for the class.
Facilitators are encouraged to design their own scenarios to add a fun twist!
What's Happening?
This activity shows how coding can be used to program a self-driving car. It introduces the concept of coding how to write specific commands.
Why Does It Matter?
Digital literacy is becoming increasingly more important in a digitally driven world! It's a great way to introduce students to the concept in an approachable manner.
Investigate Further
If it is an older class, facilitators could also encourage reflection on how coding can impact their day-to-day lives in the future - i.e., will they feel safe in a self-driving car? You can also omit any of the coding commands that may be too advanced for the class.
Facilitators are encouraged to design their own scenarios to add a fun twist!