Conversations with a six-year-old on functional programming (2018) (byorgey.wordpress.com)

Article summary

The article describes a conversation between a father and his six-year-old son about functional programming, where the father explains the concept of functions using a machine metaphor. The son engages with the idea and they play a game called the 'function machine game' to explore the concept further. The game involves guessing the output of a function given certain inputs, and the son is able to correctly guess some functions. The article highlights the potential for teaching programming concepts to children in a fun and interactive way.

Main themes

• functional programming
• teaching programming to children
• games and puzzles
• logic and problem-solving
• critical thinking
• scientific method
• education and learning

What commenters say

• Teaching programming concepts to children can be done in a fun and interactive way using games and puzzles.
• Using relatable examples, such as Pokémon, can help kids understand complex concepts like functions and statistics.
• The 'function machine game' can be used to introduce children to programming concepts, but it may not be suitable for all ages or learning styles.
• Some commenters suggest that the game is similar to other puzzles and games, such as Zendo and Eleusis, which also involve deducing rules or patterns.
• The conversation highlights the importance of testing assumptions and disproving theories, rather than just confirming them.
• The scientific method should be taught explicitly in grade school, including how to think critically and test hypotheses.
• The 'function machine game' can be adapted to teach other concepts, such as logic and problem-solving, and can be played in various settings, including road trips and summer camps.