Are you better at follow directions or giving directions?

Along the same lines of using tangrams I tried an unplugged activity with our 2nd through 5th grades. While visiting the LEGO store at Disney Springs I was able to buy a container of  selected LEGOS. I bought pieces in sets of 15 so I could make at least 15 bags and maybe even a few in case they were lost. I would put the same pieces in each bag and have 1 master model.  Partners were then asked if they were better builders or programmers? See programming is a set of directions or steps to follow.  After rock, paper, scissors one partner got to pick builder or programmer.


I held the master copy and the programmer was allowed to look and touch the master model as many times as they needed while they told the builder what and how to build, BUT could not touch any of the pieces. Probably the toughest part for the students. The builders were to follow the programmer's directions and when they thought it was done they could check it against the master.

 With the second grades I used fewer pieces which made for a less complicated master model.

Here are some 5th grader programmers and builders.

Everyone was engaged and when we were done we took them apart and I had a different model while they switched roles. We had a breakout session at the end of pros and cons.  It was interesting listening to them give their perspective. Oh and for the 2nd one they had to give directions without using color words. Yes it was a bit tougher. Great learning experience to see how detailed directions needed to be and patience for the builder. It was interesting to see which programmers needed more time with the master model. Some didn't tough it at all where other students literally had to walk over step by step to give building instructions.