Quick answer
Use Indi Durable Color Tiles to create screen-free coding mazes that teach early programming concepts like sequencing and cause-and-effect without a device.
Why color tiles work for early coding
Indi uses color tiles placed on the floor to read instructions about direction, speed, and special moves. This tactile approach helps young learners grasp abstract coding ideas through physical actions.
The tiles are durable and designed for repeated classroom use. The 20-pack provides enough tiles for small group activities or individual exploration.
Common mistakes to avoid
Placing tiles too far apart can cause Indi to miss a color instruction. Keep tiles close together in a continuous path.
Using tiles on uneven or dark surfaces may affect color detection. Test on a light-colored, flat floor for best results.
Mixing tile colors incorrectly can confuse the robot. Always follow the color-to-action mapping provided in the Indi guide.
Step-by-step classroom activity
- Sort tiles by color: Have students sort the 20 tiles into color groups. This reinforces color recognition and prepares for the next step. Check that each color group has at least 2 tiles to avoid running out mid-activity.
- Plan the maze path: On paper, sketch a simple path from start to finish. Assign a color to each action: for example, green for go, red for stop, blue for turn left. Keep the path straight for the first maze to avoid confusing students.
- Place tiles on the floor: Lay the tiles in the planned order, spacing them no more than 4 inches apart. Ensure the colored side faces up and is clean. Dust or debris on tiles can cause misreads; wipe them with a dry cloth if needed.
- Test the maze with Indi: Place Indi at the start tile and let it run. Watch to see if it follows the intended path. If it stops or turns unexpectedly, check tile placement. Run the test at least twice to rule out random errors.
- Debug and iterate: If Indi misses a tile, move the tile closer. If it takes a wrong turn, swap the color tile for the correct one. Encourage students to discuss what went wrong. Document changes to the maze so students can see their problem-solving process.
Product facts
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indi Durable Color Tiles: 20-Pack of color tiles that are placed on the floor to communicate instructions to indi. With additional tiles, kids can extend their learning and create more complex mazes. More tiles mean longer, more intricate mazes, which challenge students to think ahead and debug their code.
indi Durable Color Tiles
