This 90-minute STEAM project introduces 1st graders to the basics of coding through a movement-based activity in a natural setting. The lesson is structured into 2 clear stages, starting with an outdoor session where students act as “programmers” and “robots.” By giving step-by-step verbal commands to guide their partners around stones and branches, students learn to “debug” their instructions in real-time when the “robot” takes a wrong turn. The second stage takes place in the classroom, where students translate their physical experience into visual “route maps” using symbols and arrows. It is an interdisciplinary approach that connects math, physical activities and digital literacy, showing children how to solve complex problems through simple, logical steps. Also it teaches kids that mistakes are just puzzles waiting to be solved.

Brief description of the STEAM program

In this activity, teachers introduce first-grade students to the basics of algorithmic thinking through a playful outdoor game. Students take turns acting as a “programmer” and a “human robot,” using simple verbal commands to guide movement in a natural environment. The activity is designed to be highly interactive, movement-based, and age-appropriate, supporting both cognitive and physical development.

Age group/ Grade	Student numbers	Duration	Number of stages	Subject(s)
1st grade students	Whole class (max. 25 students)	Minimum 100 minutes	2 stages	natural sciences, visual arts, mathematics, environmental studies, physical education, digital literacy