A Little History

LOGO is a computer language primarily developed by Seymour Papert with lots
of help from others at MIT. One can do nearly anything in LOGO that can be done
in other computer languages (like BASIC, C, Pascal, etc.). LOGO is most famous,
however, for how it handles graphics and for how easy it is to learn. It is
appropriate for use with almost any age. The LOGO motto is "no floor, no
ceiling."

One of the best features of Logo is how it connects with the student's own body.
As drawings are put on the screen, kids can imagine themselves on the screen
doing the drawing. As you read through this very brief introduction you will see
what I mean. Better yet, if you have access to a version of Logo, work though
these beginning examples. It's easy!

LOGO In the Classroom

When I introduce Logo to students (who range in age from 3rd grade to High
School), I tell them to imagine that they have a small robot about the size and
shape of a turtle that they can command. The robot can be made to move forward
or backward and it can turn either right or left as far as they want it to.
Attached to the turtle's tail is an ink pen which they can raise or lower on
command. Since the robot turtle responds to their every wish, they can move it
about on the floor much like a radio controlled car. If they choose, the turtle can
leave a trail as it moves just by lowering the pen to the floor. I tell them that if
they plan carefully, they can have the turtle draw objects on the floor with the
trail it leaves.

Once my kids understand this idea, I usually have them practice it. I divide them
into groups and have them take turns "playing turtle."This is an especially
useful with younger kids, but I have done it with kids as old as eighth grade. I