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Applying

When you apply an idea, you put it to use for a specific purpose. You might create instructions for a person to follow or an algorithm for a computer to use.

Creating Instructions

Instructions outline a process step by step, with the intent of creating a specific output. To create instructions, sequence the steps in time order, and express each step using a command verb. For example, here is a simple set of instructions for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich:

Sandwich-Making Instructions

  1. Get bread, peanut butter, jelly, and a knife.
  2. Spread peanut butter on one side of one slice of bread.
  3. Spread jelly on one side of the other slice of bread.
  4. Put the bread sides with peanut butter and jelly together.
  5. Enjoy.
 

Most people who can read English would be able to follow these instructions, but they actually leave some problem solving up to the person who is following the directions. For example, what does “get” mean? From where? And given that bread, peanut butter, and jelly are usually packaged, the instructions assume that you’ll think to open the packaging and remove two slices of bread before you start spreading. What if the bread isn’t sliced? And what does it mean to enjoy?

These may seem like minor problems to you, but they would be insurmountable for a robot that knew only the following commands:

Sandwich-Making Commands

  • Clamp: Close left or right hand.
  • Unclamp: Open left or right hand.
  • Lift: Raise left or right hand.
  • Lower: Drop left or right hand.
  • Pull: Draw item nearer.
  • Push: Move item farther.
  • Twist: Turn left or right hand clockwise or counterclockwise.
  • Spread: Smear material on indicated object.
 
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Creating an Algorithm

An algorithm is a step-by-step problem-solving procedure. A sandwich-making algorithm for the robot would have to spell out every step. The flowchart below is an algorithm that directs the robot to open the bread sack.

Sandwich-Making Algorithm

Your Turn Create a flowchart like the one above, expressing the algorithm for getting the robot to remove the lids from the jars of peanut butter and jelly. (Go to thoughtfullearning.com/h19 for flowcharting software.)

 
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