
Understanding Algorithms

Overview
Students unknowingly use algorithms every day from planning their daily routine, working on a project to writing code. An algorithm is a detailed step-by-step instruction set or formula for solving a problem or completing a task. Algorithms are also an important part of the coding process. Students will learn about algorithms and how to create and follow step-by-step instructions when going through the code.org lessons.
Code.org provides free computer science curriculum resources for K-12 teachers. Lessons are organized to suit specific grade levels and reading abilities. Courses are crafted to build a strong foundation of basic concepts before opening up to a wider range of topics.
Showing the students how to use the site will only take 20-30 minutes, but to fully delve into solving the puzzles the students will need several sessions to complete them all.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Understand the difficulty of translating real problems into programs.
- Be able to explain how ideas may feel clear, but are still misinterpreted by a computer.
- Be able to communicate ideas through codes and symbols and express movement in a series of commands represented by an algorithm.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary Words:
- Algorithm: An algorithm is a list of steps to finish a task.
- Program: A program is an algorithm that has been coded into something that can be run by a machine.
- Bug: A bug is a part of a program that does not work correctly.
- Debugging: Debugging is finding and fixing problems in an algorithm or program.
- Sequencing: Sequencing is putting commands in correct order so computers can read the commands.
Pre-planning
To prepare for this lesson:
- Teachers should familiarize themselves with the Code.org website. Visit the “Educators” section and explore courses and lesson plans.
- Watch the video introducing Code.org.
- Watch the Lesson in Action video.
- Students under 13 years of age will need permission to use this site.
Accommodations
- See Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4students.net site in the Teacher Resources.
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Read and Write for Google Chrome can be used to help students with reading deficiencies as they navigate the Code.org website.
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Screencasting may be used to create tutorials for students that will have difficulty with navigating the website. (Screencast O Matic, Snagit, Screencastify)
Steps
Directions for this activity:
- Use one of the following videos to introduce the concept of algorithms:
- Using this link for the graph paper programming assessment, discuss the difference between using entire phrases or arrows/symbols. Discuss that the arrows are the program code and the phrases are the algorithm piece.
- Explain to students that they will be using an online puzzle game with characters that represent Angry Birds. They will be creating a very specific set of sequenced directions.
- Model one of the eight online puzzles using the following link. These puzzles are linked under “Programming in Maze” circles two-eleven. Number eight is suggested for modeling purposes.
- Students may work independently or in pairs to complete online puzzles.
Optional: For information on working in pairs watch this student video for working in a partnership.
Assessment Options
Different options for assessing the students:
- Observations
- Check for understanding
- Journaling
- What was today’s lesson about?
- How did you feel during today’s lesson?
- Use a Socrative Exit Ticket.
- Maze Design - Students design their own mazes individually or in small groups and challenge each other to write programs to solve them. Lifesize mazes with students as game pieces may add a fun element.
- Students create algorithms and convert them into programs using symbols for others to draw.
MITECS COMPETENCIES & ISTE STANDARDS
MITECS: Michigan adopted the "ISTE Standards for Students" called MITECS (Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students) in 2018.
Computational Thinker
5a. Students formulate problem definitions suited for technology-assisted methods such as data analysis, abstract models and algorithmic thinking in exploring and finding solutions.
5d. Students understand how automation works and use algorithmic thinking to develop a sequence of steps to create and test automated solutions.
Devices and Resources
Device: PC,Mac, iPad
Browser: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, ALL
App, Extension, or Add-on:
Screencastify for Chrome
Websites:
Code.org
Graph Paper Programming Assessment
Student Video for Working in Partnerships
Unplugged - Real-Life Algorithms: Planting a Seed
CONTENT AREA RESOURCES
ELA
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Students can be provided opportunities to communicate and share their new knowledge and vocabulary in a variety of ways.
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Written and oral opportunities are optional.
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Here is a link for student journaling.
Math
Students will learn about algorithms, patterns and basic problem solving.
Credits
This task card was created by Lisa Fenn, Lakeview Public Schools, February 2018.