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Instructions organize work

A grade 2 pupil uses a 3D pen over a 1:1 pattern to make five flat PLA parts in one layer: four sequence markers (1–4 strands) and a current-step frame. The pupil uses them to order four picture cards for making a paper envelope and tests why one step must precede another.

Age
7–9 years
Length
approx. 45 min
Level
Easy
Where you teach
School
Purpose
Educational
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How to run this session

Stages and timing
  1. Marker 1
  2. Marker 2 and a touch check
  3. Markers 3 and 4
  4. Current-step frame
  5. Cut out the cards, square and record card
  6. Arrange the instructions: markers beside the cards
  7. Trial: carry out your instructions
  8. Swap: the same creases, a different order
  9. Record, questions and tidying up
  10. Optional: your own instructions and a pair to swap

What gets built

The pupil orders four picture cards for folding an envelope logically, carries out the instructions, compares the result after swapping steps and explains one dependency between two actions using observations.

What it practises
  • Ordering picture commands for an everyday activity logically. Recognizing a number by counting repeated elements by sight and touch.
  • Executing instructions step by step while indicating the current step (a simple program counter). Distinguishing what to do (the command) from when to do it (the sequence).
  • Drawing a long even PLA strand in one layer without unsupported ends. Folding paper along the same creases in two different orders and comparing the results.

Success criteria
  • The four cards form a checked instruction, and markers with one, two, three and four strands identify successive positions. I explain one dependency between two steps.
  • The envelope is folded, and opening it reveals the pupil’s whole mark inside on a single paper layer.
  • The record card shows the result of swapping SIDES and BOTTOM.
  • The sentence “Step ...... must come before step ...... because ..............” is complete and gives a real reason rather than just “that was in the picture”.
  • The model is complete: four sequence markers and a current-step frame, five parts.

What you need
Filament
PLA
Colours
colour shown in the illustration
Also
3D pen for PLA: 1 per pupil., PLA filament, 1.75 mm: approximately 0.60 m per set of five parts (about 1.8 g), a single consistent calculation from the geometry (see production_decisions PROD-DEC-02)., Pen power supply: 1 set., Work mat resistant to the working temperature of PLA: 1 item., Printouts: 1:1 pattern (W1) and cutting sheet (W2), 1 of each per pupil, printed at 100%., Pencil: 1 per pupil., School scissors: 1 per pupil.

Files

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Version 042d8511-9c8d-4191-a199-8f2cc83236c7 Updated 2026-10-15

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