Objective: 

Students will create a piece of visual art using repeating patterns of shapes and colors, following an algorithm to arrange the elements. They will use computational thinking to plan and organize their artwork.

Materials Needed: 

• Colored paper

• Glue

• Scissors

• Markers

• Construction paper

Steps:

• Introduction: 

  • Discuss how artists use patterns in their artwork by repeating shapes or colors. 

  • Introduce the idea of an algorithm as a set of instructions that helps organize and create patterns. 

  • Explain that students will design their own patterned art by following an algorithm.

• Group Activity: 

  • In pairs, students will decide on two shapes and two colors. 

  • They will write a simple algorithm, brainstorming options before selecting (e.g., “Place a red square, then a blue circle, and repeat”).

• Creating the Artwork: 

  • Students will cut out the shapes and follow their algorithm to arrange them in a repeating pattern on construction paper. 

  • Encourage students to test their algorithm by checking for consistent repetition.

• Presentation: 

  • Students will share their completed art, explaining how they used an algorithm to create the pattern. 

  • Discuss how both artists and coders use algorithms to organize and simplify their work.

Equity and Access: 

Provide pre-cut shapes and additional materials for students who need assistance with fine motor skills. Pair students with different abilities to promote collaboration.

Real-World Connection: 

Artists, architects, and designers use patterns and algorithms to create visually appealing designs in buildings, fashion, and everyday products, much like the step-by-step processes used in coding.

CS Practice(s): 

• Collaborating Around Computing: Students work in pairs to develop and follow an algorithm, discussing and refining their patterns together. This collaborative process mirrors how programmers and designers work together to solve problems and create cohesive products.

Standard(s): 

• CA Arts 2.VA:Cr1.1

• CA Arts 2.VA:Cr3

• CA CS K-2.AP.10

Objective: 

Students will use Scratch Jr. or another coding platform to create an animated story with simple movements and actions. They will also act out the scenes, combining coding with theater to express characters and events.

Materials Needed: 

• Tablets or computers

• Simple props (hats, scarves, etc.)

Steps:

• Introduction: 

  • Discuss how both animators and actors tell stories through movement and actions. 

  • Explain that students will first create an animated story on a coding platform, then act out their scenes in real life.

• Group Activity: 

  • In pairs, students will brainstorm a simple story (e.g., a character going on an adventure, meeting a new friend). 

  • They will design characters in a coding platform. and use coding blocks to make the characters move and interact. 

  • After coding, students will practice acting out their scenes using the same sequence of actions as in their animation.

• Creating and Coding: 

  • Students will use coding blocks to control their characters’ movements (e.g., walking, jumping, waving). 

  • After coding their story, they will rehearse acting it out, mimicking the movements they coded.

• Presentation: 

  • Each group will present their animated story in, then act it out in front of the class. 

  • Discuss how they used coding to create the sequence of events and how they translated that into acting.

Equity and Access: 

Provide pre-made coding templates for students who need extra support. Offer simple props and ensure students with different abilities are paired for collaboration.

CS Practice(s): 

• Creating Computational Artifacts: Students use a coding platform to design and code an animated story.

• Collaborating Around Computing: Students work together to code and perform their stories, combining coding with acting to communicate ideas.

Standard(s): 

• CA Arts 2.TH:Cr3

• CA Arts 2.TH:Pr6

• CA Arts 2.VA:Cr1.1

• CA CS K-2.AP.12