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Year 4

Programming a screen turtle

I can type programming commands accurately.

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New
New
Year 4

Programming a screen turtle

I can type programming commands accurately.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A computer can be programmed by typing commands.
  2. Changing a value of a command will have an effect on a program.
  3. A screen turtle can run programs to draw lines.

Keywords

  • Program - a set of ordered commands that can be run by a computer to complete a task

  • Command - a single instruction that can be used in a program to control a computer

  • Turtle - a small shape on the screen that moves and draws when given commands

Common misconception

The computer can understand what I meant even if I make a small mistake.

Computers follow exact instructions, so even a tiny error (like typing f 100 instead of fd 100) will cause problems. Programmers need to carefully check the programs they make.


To help you plan your year 4 computing lesson on: Programming a screen turtle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

This unit includes opportunities to play an animation as well as demonstrate coding in Logo. It is easier for students to understand what they are seeing if you can demonstrate and model it. This also gives students the chance to ask questions as they see the live coding.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Software that can run Logo code is required to complete activities. This could be downloaded software such as FMSLogo or online alternatives.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the terms with their definitions.
Correct Answer:program,a set of ordered commands that a computer can run

a set of ordered commands that a computer can run

Correct Answer:command,a single instruction in a program

a single instruction in a program

Correct Answer:value,a number or input used in a command

a number or input used in a command

Correct Answer:test,running a program to check for errors

running a program to check for errors

Q2.
Why do people create programs?
to confuse computers
Correct answer: to solve problems and complete tasks
to replace all humans
to decorate the computer screen
Q3.
Why is it important to be accurate when entering commands?
Correct answer: to avoid errors in the program
Correct answer: to ensure the program works as intended
to make the program look colourful
Correct answer: to help the computer understand the instructions
Q4.
What happens when you lift a pen from the page and move your hand (in real life)?
The pen leaves a line on the page.
Correct answer: The pen does not leave a mark.
The pen draws a dotted line.
The pen creates a smudge.
Q5.
Why is it important to be accurate when giving directions?
Correct answer: to ensure the person reaches the correct destination
to confuse the person following the directions
to make the directions look impressive
to make the journey longer
Q6.
Which command will make a child travel the furthest from the starting point?
Go forward 5 steps.
Go forward 7 steps.
Correct answer: Go forward 15 steps.
Go forward 10 steps.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What does the turtle do when it follows commands?
Correct answer: moves and draws on the screen
deletes the program
creates sprites
changes the background
Q2.
What is the result of changing a value in a command?
The program will stay the same.
The program will stop working.
Correct answer: The turtle’s behaviour will change.
The turtle will disappear.
Q3.
What happens if you type
f 100
instead of
fd 100
in Logo?
The turtle will move forward.
Correct answer: The program will not work.
The turtle will draw a shape.
The program will guess the correct command.
Q4.
Which command will make the turtle turn left?
Correct answer: `lt 90`
rt 90
fd 90
bk 90
Q5.
What command clears the screen and resets the turtle?
Correct Answer: cs
Q6.
What command lifts the pen so the turtle can move without drawing?
Correct Answer: pu