OVERVIEW

Activity Overview:

To start students will learn to code with a desk of cards and manipulatives. Students will have jobs such as the programmer, tester and the bot. They will physically move an object through programming language.

Meta description

• Subject Area: Computer Science, Technology
• Grade Level : K-2, 3-5
• Computer Science Domains:
  • Algorithms and Programming
• Computer Science Principles:
  • Collaborating Around Computing, Communicating About Computing
• Materials:
  • None
• Considerations: +

Lesson Plan

Overview

To start students will learn to code with a desk of cards and manipulatives. Students will have jobs such as the programmer, tester and the bot. They will physically move an object through programming language.

ASSESSMENT PRE/POST-TEST

1. What is coding language?
2. How do I follow an algorithm?
3. How can I teach another student to follow the instructions from start to finish?

OBJECTIVES

1. Students are able to understand coding language.
2. Students are able to follow an algorithm and set of simple instructions to complete a task.
3. 5th grade students are able to give simple instructions to K students.

CATCH/HOOK

Can you reach your desired destination on a 7 x 7 grid using an algorithm? If you can, you are rewarded with the prize! Learning to follow instructions and algorithms are key to helping you succeed!

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS

Materials Deck of cards Painter’s Tape Variety of small toys The Bots Prizes Job Cards Part 1 instructions:

1. Set up a 7x7 grideof playing cards and fix them to the floor
2. Take smaller toys and place them randomly on the cards.
3. Take prize and place on one of the cards.
4. Place the bots on the starting position.
5. Assign and select the job (programmer, tester, bot)
6. The Programmer will write a set of instructions to get to the prize such as ‘Move forward 7 cards, etc.’
7. The tester will give instructions to the Bot.
8. After each instruction, the bot will move based on the instructions given to get them the prize. Older students will begin as programmers and testes to show the younger student how it works. Eventually the younger students will take over as programmer with the help of an older student.
   Part 2 instructions: When the activity has finished, studetn wil be given a printable grid. The Frog Pond.
9. Student create a series of commands that move the frog across the ponds. Print/make 5 different ponds.
10. Cut out command cards and place in order of algorithm sequence desired.
11. One student will then move the frog across the pond based on the algorithm to the finish. Printable materials are found on Teacher Pay Teacher. Part 3 Extension Instructions
12. Student will take what they have learned and apply to code.org activities.

Supplements

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REVIEW

Where they able to obtain the prize in Part 1? Were they able to problem solve? Was their pond grid activity successful?

STANDARDS