Dashing Through the Code

Students will:

• Know about coding and programming.

• Be able to choose a holiday code program.

• Be able to use the Blockly code to program the game.

Vocabulary Words:

1. Computer science: Computer science is using computers to solve problems and create new technology.

2. Persistence: Persistence is trying again, and again, and again.

3. Algorithm: An algorithm is a list of steps that you can follow to finish a task.

4. Program: A program is an algorithm that has been coded into something that can be run by a machine.

To prepare for this lesson:

• These are great ways to incorporate code into your curriculum while enjoying the holidays! Check out each of these sites. They will walk you through the steps needed to code.  

  • https://santatracker.google.com/codelab.html

  • https://santatracker.google.com/codeboogie.html

  • http://www.grinchhourofcode.com

    • Make sure to sign up for a free account for lesson plans and the answer sheets. 

• Decide if you want students to work on their own, or if you want them to pair program.  Sometimes if they have not coded before, two heads are better than one.

• Here are two great videos to introduce code. These are both free.

  • 2nd and 3rd grades, or code beginners

    • Coding for Kids

  • 4th and 5th grades or more mature coders

    • Code.org tutorial for beginners

See Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4students.net site in the Teacher Resources. 

Directions for this activity:

1. The teacher will say to students, “Today, you are going to be computer programmers!”

2. Show either Brainpop video to introduce coding.

   1. 2nd and 3rd grades, or code beginners

      • Brain Pop computer programming

   2. 4th and 5th grades or more mature coders

      • Brain Pop computer programming

3. Review vocabulary. What is programming? What is an algorithm?

   • Demonstrate the three sites.  Let them choose or play all three depending on time.

     • https://santatracker.google.com/codelab.html

     • https://santatracker.google.com/codeboogie.html

     • http://www.grinchhourofcode.com

Different options for assessing the students:

• Observations
• Check for understanding
• Use the Dashing Through the Code checklist with the students.