Session 3 — Loops and Repeats (Card Coding Lesson 2)

Opening concept: When you need to do the same thing many times, write it once and repeat it.

Physical activity: PL-8 (Human Loop) — define the sequence: two steps forward, turn right. Ask: if we do this 4 times, where should we end up? Try it. Count the steps. Then ask how many repeats of “step forward” it would take to cross the room — estimate, test, adjust. Introduce loop cards as writing that same idea on paper.

Activity:

• Card Coding Lesson 2: introduce loop cards
• Compare: a program that drives forward 4 times written out vs. one that uses a loop. Same result, fewer cards.
• Challenge: program Edison to spin in a circle using a loop. Count how many repeats make a full circle.
• Pairs compete: most complete circles in 30 seconds using clap-drive hybrid

Engineering connection: Understand + Prove — how many repeats do you need? How did you figure that out?

Materials: Card Coding student cards, timer