Tap into students' prior knowledge by asking them about types of behaviors they were able to program with Color Codes.

Explain that functions are a single name for a set of actions. They can think of functions like a file cabinet. Each drawer has a label and inside the drawer, there are several files. With functions, each one has a name or label. Inside that function are several actions. In a program, we call a function when we want that group of actions to run. Tell students they will write multiple functions and use them in a single program.

Ask students what behaviors a singer might display while performing onstage. If needed, brainstorm some famous singers that students could choose to mimic. Have students choose one singer to focus the project on.

Display a blank Functions Planning Sheet and model how to complete the page. Model how moonwalk, dance, and sing would be fitting for function names. Fill out potential behaviors, and model how to explore Ozobot Blockly or Ozobot Editor for blocks that could be used. With Ozobot Blockly or Ozobot Editor a broader variety of options are available versus Color Codes.

Note: While the Functions category of blocks lives in Levels 4 and 5, allow students to use and explore blocks in the lower levels also. They will likely find that the movement blocks in Level 3 will be more easily utilized. Explain to students that they can use blocks from any level that make sense for their code.

Model how to create the first function. From Level 4 Functions, add a to do something block to the workspace. Change the name do something to moonwalk.

What type of behavior would the Ozobot display if it was mimicking a singer moonwalking? Model how to build the code.

Note: If your students are interested, you could show them camelCase which is a way that programmers save names for files, functions, etc. In programming languages, spaces are not allowed in function names, but names need to be descriptive. That's why we use camelCase. The first word can be lowercase, but each following word is capitalized, for example, goStraight, makeAUTurn, twoMinuteDance.

If we try running the program, Ozobot doesn't do anything. We built the function, but for the bot to execute the code, we must CALL the function. Do this by dragging out the corresponding block in the function category. I named my function moonwalk, so I drag out the moonwalk block. Note that this block doesn't appear until I name my function.

With the moonwalk block in the workspace, we can test the program. Go to Programs in the right-hand menu and connect your bot. Once connected, click Run Program.

Build the dance and sing functions with the students, or allow them to build their own.

Note: the sing function example shows a possibility, but this level of complexity is not expected. The blocks in the example are from Level 5 and are more sophisticated than students may be ready for but show the possibilities. Encourage students to choose sound blocks that make sense to them or allow them to copy the example.

Now that students have three functions on the workspace, they can call them in any order they like or multiple times. Model how to build a program by calling functions. Remind students that when they call a function, all the blocks inside that function will run.

Model running the program, and ask students how functions made it easier to code.

Display the Functions Planning Sheet and explain that students will create a program using functions. Review the steps on the Planning Sheet and set expectations for the student planning process. Allow students to choose a subject, or make their own version of the singer program.

When students have completed the activity, ask them to complete the reflection sheet either verbally with a partner or in writing.

Optional Extension

The extension includes an opportunity for students to code a song by using nested functions. Display the sample code and lead a discussion around the chorus of the song.

Song URL: Ozobot Blockly: https://ozo.bot/b/qwcppb or use Share Code qwcppb

Ozobot Editor: https://editor.ozobot.com/blockly?programId=kqf7aks or use Share Code kqf7aks

Some parts of the above song repeat. Students can write a function that calls another function. In this case, the beginning notes of the song repeat near the middle of the progression. Calling functions simplifies code as the other option requires rewriting existing code. For this optional extension, the goal is to write a function that calls another function.