Computer Science
Grade 1
20 min
If You Water a Plant, Then...
Understanding the consequence of watering a plant (it grows).
What you'll learn
- Identify the picture that shows what happens when you water a plant with 100% accuracy.
- Explain, using their own words, one thing a plant needs to grow with teacher prompting.
- Match the action (watering) to its result (plant grows) with 80% accuracy when presented with pictures.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the 'If' part of a simple rule.
Identify the 'Then' part of a simple rule.
Explain that an 'If...Then...' statement connects a condition to an action.
Create their own 'If...Then...' rules using everyday examples.
Predict the outcome when an 'If' condition is met.
Follow a two-step algorithm based on a simple condition.
What happens IF you give a thirsty plant a drink of water? 🌱💧 Let's find out!
We are learning about special computer words: IF and THEN. These words make a rule. The rule tells the computer what to do and when to do it.
Real-World Applications
If it is raining, then I will take my umbrella. ☔
If I am hungry, then I will eat a snack. 🍎
If the light is red, then we...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
RuleA rule tells us what to do. It has two parts.Our classroom rule is: IF you want to speak, THEN raise your hand. 🙋
If (The Condition)The 'If' part is the question. We check if it is true.IF the sun is out... ☀️ (The question is: Is the sun out?)
Then (The Action)The 'Then' part is what we do. It's the action!...THEN we can play outside! 🤸 (The action is: playing outside.)
ConditionA condition is the thing we check. Is it happening or not?The condition is: the cat is sleeping. 😴
ActionAn action is the thing that happens after we check the condition.The action is: be very quiet. 🤫
AlgorithmAn algorithm is a list of steps to finish a task.Our 'If...Then...' rule is a small algorithm for the computer.
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Core Syntax & Patterns
The If...Then... Pattern
IF [a condition is true], THEN [do an action].
This is the most important pattern! First, you check the 'If' part. If it's true, you do the 'Then' part.
Order Matters!
The IF part always comes before the THEN part.
We must check the condition first before we can do the action. You can't get the cookie before you clean your room!
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A robot's rule is: "IF the soil is brown AND the leaves are green, THEN add water." Why might this rule cause a problem and give the plant too much water?
A.The robot can't see colors.
B.Leaves are never green.
C.The soil is almost always brown, even when it's wet.
D.Water is not good for plants.
Challenging
You see one plant in a sunny window is big and green. You see another plant in a dark closet is small and yellow. What is the best "If...Then..." rule you can make from this?
A.IF a plant is big, THEN put it in a closet.
B.IF a plant is yellow, THEN it is happy.
C.IF a plant gets a lot of sun, THEN it grows healthy and green.
D.IF a plant is in a closet, THEN it needs more water.
Challenging
A robot gardener can use one of these rules. Which rule is the SMARTEST and MOST HELPFUL for keeping a plant healthy?
A.IF it is 3:00 PM, THEN water the plant.
B.IF the pot is red, THEN water the plant.
C.IF the plant sings a song, THEN water the plant.
D.IF the soil feels dry, THEN water the plant.
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "If You Water a Plant, Then..."?
If You Water a Plant, Then... is a Grade 1 Computer Science lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in If You Water a Plant, Then...?
You'll be able to: Identify the picture that shows what happens when you water a plant with 100% accuracy; Explain, using their own words, one thing a plant needs to grow with teacher prompting; Match the action (watering) to its result (plant….
Is "If You Water a Plant, Then..." free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with If You Water a Plant, Then...?
This lesson includes 27 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.