Task
The objective of this task is to plan a path that moves the ladybug
through the maze. Click on the direction buttons to help the ladybug
plan the path it should take to move through the maze without crossing
the walls. Click the "Play" button to see if your plan works. Try some
of the other mazes.
Getting Started in the Classroom
As students
develop proficiency in navigating with the ladybug, they can create
navigational plans that will move the ladybug through a maze. This
process enables them to apply strategies learned in the other
activities. To assess students' understanding of direction and distance,
as well as their problem-solving strategies, teachers might ask the
following:
- Did you picture in your head how to get the ladybug through the maze?
- Which movements did you use the most?
- If you walked the same path here in the classroom, starting at your table, where would you end up?
What Students Learn in Ladybug Mazes
Creating
a plan to move the ladybug through a maze offers different challenges
that are more difficult than those in the previous activities. Students
must make a plan that will turn the ladybug at the appropriate corners
and keep it on the path without crossing the walls. Because the applet
allows students to modify one step in their plan, to begin with a new
set of directions, and to execute their plans step by step or in their
entirety, students have some flexibility in how they can approach the
task while they gain experience in estimating length and turn (angle)
measures.
Take Time to Reflect
- What mathematical ideas are being explored by students?
- How can dialogue among students help them reflect on their
strategies and consider ways to create plans with less trial and error?
- By listening to discussions among students, what might a teacher
learn about their understanding of movement in space? What
misunderstandings might teachers anticipate?