Grade 3

Coding and Algebra

Content

C 3.1, 3.2

Using Coding to demonstrate equivalent relationships.

Learning Goal

Students will learn that the...

Number of motion blocks in a programmed sequence corresponds to the number of actions performed by a character
Order of commands in a programmed sequence directly corresponds to the order of actions performed by a character.

Students will be able to...

Combine different motion blocks into programmed sequences

Materials

iPads
Scratch Jr. App

Prior Knowledge

ScratchJr - HomeWith ScratchJr, young children (ages 5-7) can program their own interactive stories and games.

Become familiar with the Scratch Jr. program and app

Students will review the concepts of instructions and sequences. They will learn how to create sequences of the same motion block (e.g. left, left, left). They will also learn to create sequences using a variety of different motion blocks (e.g. right, down, jump, go home).

Pedagogy

Mind's On

Program the Teacher: Students will be responsible for directing their teacher to a specific location of the classroom. However, during this lesson, students will only be able to use a specific set of instructions instead of simply using plain English. Examples of these specific instructions are:

Step forward
Step backward
Turn right
Turn left
Turn until you see something

blocks (2).pdf

Motion Block Icon PDF

Action!

Go to Motion Blocks.

Introduction to New Scratch Jr Blocks: The teacher will demonstrate to the students how to use the following blocks:
1. 1. 1. 1. Up
        Down
        Left
        Right
        Return Home

Teacher will begin a new project in Scratch Jr. S/he should place the Scratch cat and another character on the same line on the screen (on a horizontal or vertical line). S/he should then ask students which blocks need to be placed next to each other in order for the cat to successfully move toward the character. Three different scenarios should be set up(e.g. cat in the upper left corner and the character in lower left corner; cat in the lower left corner and the character in the bottom right corner) for the students to solve together as a class.
Student will now make their own program to successfully move Scratch to their character.

consolidation ideas

Guess the Program: The teacher should act out several short programs. Students should then be given the opportunity to guess what the program acted out is (e.g. step forward, step back, jump).

Differentiation

Challenge students to build several different programs to incorporate different program sequences.

Assessment Opportunities

Students can Airdrop their Scratch Jr. Programs to you. (How to Airdrop: Access Here)

Self-Assessment Checklist (Can be modified for Teacher use):

I followed the directions given by my teacher.
I successfully chose the motion blocks and sequence blocks to get to my character.
I fixed my mistakes in my code until the characters met.

Social Emotional Learning: SEL Self-Assessments (French and English) / Seesaw Activities Library SEL Self Assessments for Primary

Technology

virtual manipulative

Scratch Jr. (download from Catalogue)

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