MetaPet Field Mode — Australian Schools
Lesson 4: Choices and Algorithms
Students predict an if–then rule, test it, then reset and compare orders.
- Years
- 3–6
- Suggested time
- 20 minutes
- Use
- Teacher-led
- Records
- Alias-only, local device
Learning intention
I can describe a simple if–then rule and predict what it will do.
Learning areas: Digital Technologies · Personal and Social capability
Success criteria
- I can say an if–then rule out loud.
- I can predict what one action will do.
- I can say which order worked better and why.
Teacher opening
Predict first, then act. When a sequence goes badly, reset and try a different order — recovering is part of the method, never a punishment. That reset is the feedback loop students are learning to see.
An algorithm is a set of steps in an order. If we do this, then that happens. We are going to predict first, try it, then reset and try a different order.
Five guided steps
1. If, then
- Teacher says / does
- Say: "If we do this, then that happens. That is an algorithm."
- Student task
- Listen for the words if and then.
- Expected outcome
- Students have the if–then frame.
2. Predict before acting
- Teacher says / does
- Ask for one prediction before anything is pressed.
- Student task
- Say what you think will happen.
- Expected outcome
- The class has a prediction on record.
3. Try it, then reset
- Teacher says / does
- Run the action. Then reset and run a different order. Say clearly that resetting is allowed.
- Student task
- Watch both orders.
- Expected outcome
- The class has seen two orderings.
4. Which order was better?
- Teacher says / does
- Take answers to "Which order worked better, and what makes you say that?"
- Student task
- Say which order you would choose.
- Expected outcome
- Students justify a choice with evidence.
5. Stop here
- Teacher says / does
- Say that Session Four is finished.
- Student task
- Remember your better order.
- Expected outcome
- Session Four is recorded on this device.
Support option
Say one action and one thing it might change.
Extension option
Write your if–then rule as three steps a classmate could follow.
Discussion prompts
- What do you predict will happen?
- What actually happened?
- Which order worked better, and why?
Teacher notes — aliases only
Do not record student names, contact details or identifying information.