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Acting out Bee-Bot commands
This Computing video supports teachers in delivering an unplugged activity that helps children develop a deeper understanding of algorithms and programming. By physically acting out commands, pupils begin to grasp how a Bee-Bot responds only to the exact instructions it is given. One child plays the role of the controller, while another becomes the Bee-Bot, following one command at a time such as “Clear, Forward, Go.” The key learning point is precision: children must see that vague or incorrect instructions lead to unexpected outcomes, helping them recognise the importance of clear sequencing.
This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Computing scheme of work – videos. It offers practical guidance to support classroom management and modelling during unplugged activities. The video reinforces the concept that Bee-Bots—and computers—cannot think for themselves, so human input must be explicit and logical. Teachers are encouraged to connect the physical activity to digital programming throughout the lesson, using real Bee-Bots to consolidate understanding. This lesson lays the foundation for the next session, where children will begin designing their own Bee-Bot worlds.
