Objective:

Students will document their algorithm using a flowchart and multimedia components to explain the steps of calculating quiz scores. This activity will help students understand the importance of documenting processes to make algorithms clearer and more accessible to others.

Materials Needed:

• Chart paper or poster boards

• Markers and pencils

• Flowchart symbols handouts (if needed)

• Drawing tools for visuals and multimedia additions

Steps:

• Introduction:

  • Begin by explaining the importance of documenting processes, just like in computer science. 

  • Describe how developers use flowcharts and multimedia to represent code for easy reading and debugging.

• Group Activity:

  • Students will work in groups to develop a flowchart that shows the steps involved in accepting quiz scores, checking for invalid inputs (e.g., scores greater than 100), calculating the average, and displaying results. 

  • Encourage them to clearly label each step and use symbols to represent decisions and actions.

• Adding Multimedia Components:

  • Once the flowcharts are complete, students will enhance their charts by adding multimedia elements, such as drawings representing input and output, diagrams, or colored sections to show different parts of the process.

• Presentation and Discussion:

  • Each group presents their flowchart, explaining their process and how they documented each step. 

  • Lead a discussion on how documentation is crucial for others to follow the process and how multimedia can enhance understanding.

Equity and Access:

Provide flowchart templates and symbols for students who need additional support. Ensure all students have opportunities to contribute by assigning roles such as designer, presenter, and artist.

Real-World Application:

Connect this activity to how developers use flowcharts and visual tools to design software before coding, explaining how documentation and planning help avoid errors during development.

CS Practice(s):

• Developing and Using Abstractions: Students break down the process into logical steps, simplifying and organizing them into a flowchart.

• Communicating About Computing: Students present their flowcharts and explain the process, highlighting the importance of clear documentation for understanding and collaboration.

Standard(s):

• CA CCSS ELA-Literacy SL.6.5

• CA CS 6-8.AP.19

Objective:

Students will write a program in Pencil Code, p5.js, Scratch, or another coding platform to calculate quiz scores, using comments to document different parts of their code. They will practice documenting their computational artifacts for easier understanding and debugging.

Materials Needed:

• Computers with access

• Example code templates (if needed)

Steps:

• Introduction:

  • Introduce the concept of documenting code through comments. 

  • Explain that adding comments helps developers understand code better, especially when working with others or reviewing it later.

• Coding Activity:

  • Students will use a coding platform to write a simple program that accepts quiz scores, checks for invalid entries, calculates averages, and displays the results. 

  • As they code, students will add comments to explain each segment (e.g., "Input quiz scores between 0 and 100").

• Adding Project Documentation:

  • After finishing their code, students will create a short project overview explaining what their program does and include a simple flowchart showing how the program works.

• Testing and Refining:

  • Students will exchange their programs with peers, who will review the code and documentation. 

  • Based on peer feedback, students will refine their comments and documentation to make the code more understandable.

• Presentation and Discussion:

  • Each student presents their code and flowchart, explaining how they used comments to make their code more readable and easier to debug. 

  • Discuss how clear documentation helps both end users and developers.

Equity and Access:

Provide example code with comments for students who need extra guidance. Allow students to work in pairs to support those with limited coding experience.

Real-World Application:

Discuss how real-world developers use comments and documentation to work on large, collaborative coding projects, ensuring that others can understand and maintain their code.

CS Practice(s):

• Creating Computational Artifacts: Students create a documented program that calculates quiz scores.

• Testing and Refining Computational Artifacts: Students review each other’s code, providing feedback on clarity and documentation.

• Communicating About Computing: Students utilize code comments to verbalize their thinking about the code they write.

Standard(s):

• CA CCSS ELA-Literacy SL.6.5

• CA CS 6-8.AP.19