OVERVIEW

Activity Overview:

Students will use popsicle sticks to design maze systems and work to create a flowchart that helps a user to find the exit of the maze every time.

Meta description

• Subject Area: Computer Science, Art
• Grade Level : 6-8
• Computer Science Domains:
  • Algorithms and Programming
• Computer Science Principles:
  • Fostering an Inclusive Computing Culture, Collaborating Around Computing, Testing and Refining Computational Artifacts
• Materials:
  • None
• Considerations:
  • Students will need popsicle sticks and plenty of time to complete this activity, block periods or two days might be needed.

Lesson Plan

Overview

Students will use popsicle sticks to design maze systems and work to create a flowchart that helps a user to find the exit of the maze every time.

ASSESSMENT PRE/POST-TEST

Why is it important to use clear algorithmic design? How do computer scientists solve complex problems using algorithms?

OBJECTIVES

Students will describe the importance of clear algorithmic design. Students will create a flowchart to understand the process of solving complex problems.

CATCH/HOOK

Students will receive a handout with a complex maze on it. Students will be asked to describe how they solve the maze and work to develop a set of instructions that work every time in every maze.

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Students will receive a handout of a maze and be asked to solve the maze. afterwards ask students to think pair share how they solved the maze. Ask students to then journal a short set of instructions that would help anyone solve a maze every time, restricting students to the use of directional coordinates and dead ends (can not say look for an opining). -5min

2)Pair students into small groups and have them work to combine their instructions into one system. -5min

3. Students will use 30 popsicle sticks in small groups to create their own maze system. -10 min

4)Students must then test their set of instructions noting any problem. Students will continue to work through their instructions until they work for their maze completely. -10 min

5. Students will trade spots with another team and test their instructions against 1 or 2 different mazes. - 10 min

6. Students will develop a flow chart or other pseudo code, turning their directions into an algorithm. - 10 min

7. students will share out their directions with another team. -5min

Supplements

Any items in this section are the property & under the license of their respective owners.

REVIEW

Students will share their directions with another team and discuss how clear instructional methods were integral for their success.

STANDARDS