Computers make choices using “if” rules: if something is true, then do this. Year 1 coders follow simple if–then rules from everyday life and see how robots use them to decide what to do.
What your child will learn
- Follow simple if–then rules
- Know that the action only happens when the condition is true
- Begin to use if–then–else to choose between two actions
If this, then that
We use if–then rules all the time: if it is raining, then take an umbrella. A computer checks the condition — is it raining? — and only runs the action if the answer is yes. “Else” says what to do when the answer is no.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. Rule: if the plant is dry, water it. The soil is wet. What should you do?
- Pull it up
- Paint it
- Water it
- Leave it — it doesn’t need water
Show answer
Answer: Leave it — it doesn’t need water. The soil isn’t dry, so the rule doesn’t run.
2. Rule: if you are cold, put on a jumper. You are warm. What do you do?
- Put on two jumpers
- Open the freezer
- Nothing — you don’t need a jumper
- Put on a jumper
Show answer
Answer: Nothing — you don’t need a jumper. You aren’t cold, so the rule doesn’t run.
3. If it is raining, you should…
🌧️- take off your shoes
- put on sun cream
- wear a raincoat
- wear sunglasses
Show answer
Answer: wear a raincoat. The condition “it is raining” is true, so you do the “then” part: wear a raincoat.
Tips for grown-ups
- Play “Simon says” — it is an if–then game!
- Make up if–then rules for the day: if it is sunny, we go to the park.