This week, we explored the exciting world of robots and coding! On Monday, a team of special guest engineers from the University of Calgary visited our class. We learned what engineers do and how they plan, build, test, and help others.
We also learned about algorithms. Algorithms are simple instructions or patterns that help computers and robots know what to do. During a fun activity, we practiced giving clear instructions to our “human robot,” Austin, to wash his hands—this was a fun challenge!
We explored different EZ-Robots, including Adventure Bot, Rolly Rover, JD (who looks almost human), and Hexabot (also called “6”). Miss Emily used an iPad to give them instructions and even made them dance! We also enjoyed coding with Ozobots by using color patterns to guide them along a path.
Here are some skills we practiced:
- Identifying when actions don’t match instructions.
- Matching actions to instructions.
- Following two-step sequences.
- Understanding how changing the order of steps affects outcomes.
The next day, we used our coding skills in an “unplugged”
activity. We designed a barnyard for Rosie the hen and planned a path for her
to walk around the farm. This helped us understand that engineers design,
build, test, and improve their ideas.
We also read a heartwarming story about Bolts, a little robot who learns how to fix his broken heart through patience, kindness, and gratitude. After the story, we shared our ideas about robots, coding, and engineering, and created a visual journal response.
As Spring is arriving in Calgary, we continue to visit our class tree near the playground, “Fletcher’s
Tree”, to see if its leaves are starting to grow. Look for signs of Spring with your child this weekend! Use this Spring Scavenger hunt if you want to make a game of it!
Link to our school calendar: Simons Valley School Calendar
Friday Class Schedule
Library Day is Tuesday, May 12, 2026!
Thank you for helping your child to remember their library book AND plastic protector BAG each Tuesday!! We will return books but not sign out new ones until after Spring Break.
If you have any questions or need to contact us, our emails are:
Mrs. Oster: rdoster@cbe.ab.ca
Mrs. Sutherland: klsutherland@cbe.ab.ca
Mrs. Wiskar: mjwiskar@cbe.ab.ca
Mrs. Cheng: kjcheng@cbe.ab.ca
