Automatic Pet Feeder flowchart activity
Teach scheduled automation using pet detection, bowl-empty sensors, food-low warnings, motor outputs and portion variables.
Concepts taught
This model helps students practise sequence, selection, conditionals, branching, iteration, repetition, loops, variables, inputs and outputs in a concrete classroom scenario.
Suggested age or phase
Primary/elementary extension, middle school and secondary/high school automation lessons.
Learning objectives
- Identify the physical inputs and outputs in the system.
- Build a flowchart that uses decisions and repeated checks.
- Trace what happens when conditions change.
- Explain how the algorithm could be converted into pseudocode or code.
Example tasks
Task 1: Manual feed test
Students build and run a flowchart that applies sequence, decisions and repeated checks in the Automatic Pet Feeder model.
Task 2: Scheduled meal check
Students build and run a flowchart that applies sequence, decisions and repeated checks in the Automatic Pet Feeder model.
Task 3: Empty bowl refill
Students build and run a flowchart that applies sequence, decisions and repeated checks in the Automatic Pet Feeder model.
Task 4: Food-low warning
Students build and run a flowchart that applies sequence, decisions and repeated checks in the Automatic Pet Feeder model.
Task 5: Portion variable tracking
Students build and run a flowchart that applies sequence, decisions and repeated checks in the Automatic Pet Feeder model.
Common misconceptions
- Dropping food without moving the motor arm into the correct position.
- Leaving bowl empty after a successful feed sequence.
- Ignoring food-low safety before starting the motor.
Curriculum connections
Useful for England computing lessons on sequence, selection and repetition; Australian curriculum language such as branching and iteration; and US K-12 computer science vocabulary including loops, conditionals, algorithms and flowcharts.
Teachers can use the activity as a starter, live demonstration, independent task, intervention activity or assessment checkpoint.
Free activity and licence
The free Zebra Crossing flowchart gives students a quick way to try Flow-Logic. A school licence unlocks the full model library, teacher panel, solution passwords and classroom tasks.