Week 7: Team Up and Troubleshoot!

Unit: Problem Solving and Logic (Weeks 6-8) Duration: 2 lessons, 50 minutes each

What’s in Store This Week?

This week is all about becoming a super-powered problem-solver and an amazing teammate! First, you’ll become a “Bug Buster” and learn the art of debugging—finding and fixing those pesky “bugs” that pop up in every programmer’s code. You’ll learn that making mistakes is a normal and even fun part of the journey. Then, you’ll team up for a Pair Programming adventure, learning how two heads are better than one when it comes to creating awesome projects.

What You’ll Be Able to Do!

By the end of this week, you’ll be able to:

Find and fix common mistakes (bugs) in your programs like a pro.
Use a step-by-step plan to figure out why your code isn’t working.
Work with a partner to build a program together.
Feel confident and not give up when you face a tricky coding challenge.

Lessons This Week

Lesson 7.1: Bug Busters! A Debugging Workshop

Get Ready To: Put on your detective gear and hunt for bugs! You’ll learn that “bugs” are just puzzles to be solved and practice a secret four-step method for squashing any bug you find.

Lesson 7.2: Pair Programming Adventure!

Get Ready To: Team up with a partner for a coding mission! You’ll learn the secrets of “pair programming” by taking turns as the “Driver” (at the controls) and the “Navigator” (the guide with the map).

How We’ll See Our Skills Grow

Bug Busting Skills: We’ll give you broken programs and see how you use the debugging steps to fix them.
Teamwork in Action: We’ll watch you and your partner work together. Are you sharing ideas? Are you communicating clearly?
Smarter Problem-Solving: Your notes and discussions will show us how you’re learning to think like a real programmer when you get stuck.

Becoming a Great Teammate

This week is huge for learning important life skills, like:

Taking turns and sharing your ideas.
Listening carefully to your partner’s thoughts.
Giving helpful feedback and being a good friend.
Working together to create something you can both be proud of!

Your Programmer’s Toolkit

Programs with sneaky bugs hidden inside for you to find
A cool poster of our “Bug Busting” strategies
Role cards that explain the job of the “Driver” and “Navigator”
A timer to help you remember to switch roles
A partner to team up with!

Assessment Highlights

Formative: Application of debugging strategies, quality of collaboration
Performance: Independent problem-solving and effective pair programming
Portfolio: Documentation of problem-solving approaches and partnership reflections

Problem-Solving Skills Development

Systematic approach to identifying problems
Breaking complex problems into smaller parts
Testing solutions and learning from results
Persistence through challenges and setbacks

Turn-taking and sharing responsibilities
Active listening and clear communication
Giving and receiving constructive feedback
Building confidence through collaborative success

Growth Mindset Focus

Mistakes as valuable learning opportunities
Effort and persistence over perfect results
Celebrating progress and improvement
Building confidence through problem-solving success

Materials Needed

Devices with Scratch Jr. and intentionally buggy programs
Debugging strategy posters and reference cards
Pair programming role cards and timers
Collaboration reflection worksheets
Growth mindset encouragement materials

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