Objective: 

Students will create a map of their neighborhood and provide step-by-step directions to describe how they get from home to school. These directions will be referred to as an algorithm, helping students understand how algorithms work in both real-life navigation and computing.

Materials Needed:

• Chart paper or construction paper

• Markers, crayons, pencils

• Pre-made direction cards with positional words (e.g., left, right, straight)

• Sample map for reference

Steps:

• Introduction: 

  • Begin by asking students how they travel from home to school. 

  • List the different landmarks they pass, such as stores, parks, or buildings. 

  • Explain that they will create a map of their neighborhood and use step-by-step directions, just like an algorithm, to show how they get from home to school.

• Group Activity: 

  • Each student will draw a simple map of their neighborhood, including major landmarks and their school. 

  • After creating the map, students will write out a list of step-by-step directions using positional words like "turn left," "go straight," or "pass the park."

• Building and Refining: 

  • Once the maps are drawn and directions written, students will swap maps with a partner and follow their partner's algorithm (directions) to trace the path from home to school. 

  • Encourage students to refine any steps that seem unclear, revising the algorithm for accuracy.

• Presentation and Discussion: 

  • Students will present their map and algorithm to the class, explaining how they organized their steps. 

  • Lead a discussion on how algorithms help computers and people follow a specific set of instructions.

Equity and Access: 

Provide pre-drawn neighborhood maps for students who need extra support. Offer visual direction cards for students who may struggle with writing, allowing them to build their algorithms visually.

Real-World Application: 

Discuss how GPS and map applications use algorithms to give people directions in real life. Emphasize how algorithms in technology help us navigate the world in the same way students created their own navigation routes.

CS Practice(s):

• Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: Students recognize the problem of navigating from home to school and develop a step-by-step algorithm to solve it.

• Developing and Using Abstractions: Students abstract the process of navigation by breaking it down into simplified steps or instructions.

Standard(s): 

• CA HSS 2.2

• CA CS K-2.AP.10

• CA CS K-2.AP.16

Objective: 

Students will use Bee-Bots or other Robots to create a digital representation of their route from home to school, programming the Bee-Bot to follow step-by-step directions or an algorithm. This helps students understand how algorithms are used in computing to solve real-world problems.

Materials Needed:

• Bee-Bots

• Floor grid or Bee-Bot mat with pre-made map of a neighborhood

• Directional arrows or coding cards

• Tablets or computers to record the algorithm digitally (optional)

Steps:

• Introduction: 

  • Start by asking students how computers and GPS give directions. 

  • Explain that they will program Bee-Bots to move from a "home" location on the mat to "school," using step-by-step directions that act as an algorithm.

• Group Activity: 

  • In small groups, students will program their Bee-Bots to navigate the map using direction cards or arrows to sequence movements. 

  • Students will place their Bee-Bot on the "home" spot and then use the directional arrows to program steps like "move forward 2 spaces," "turn right," or "move forward to school."

• Testing and Refining: 

  • After programming the Bee-Bot, students will run their algorithm and watch as the Bee-Bot follows their commands.

  •  If the Bee-Bot does not reach the school, students will go back and adjust their code, refining their directions.

• Presentation and Discussion: 

  • Each group will demonstrate their Bee-Bot's journey, explaining the steps in their algorithm. 

  • Lead a discussion on how programming simple algorithms for Bee-Bots is similar to how computers solve problems and provide directions.

Equity and Access: 

Provide Bee-Bot mats with simpler routes for students who may need extra support, and allow students to work in pairs to support collaborative learning.

Real-World Application: 

Discuss how computer algorithms power GPS systems, robots, and even apps that give us directions. Highlight how this activity relates to using technology in everyday life, such as navigating to new places.

CS Practice(s):

• Creating Computational Artifacts: Students program Bee-Bots to navigate using algorithms.

• Testing and Refining Computational Artifacts: Students test and refine their algorithms to ensure their Bee-Bot reaches the correct destination.

Standard(s): 

• CA HSS 2.2

• CA CS K-2.AP.10

• CA CS K-2.AP.16