Objective: 

Students will compare different morning routines, analyzing multiple algorithms for getting ready for school, and write an opinion piece stating which routine they believe is best. They will use reasons to support their opinion, link their ideas with transition words, and provide a concluding statement. This lesson integrates computer science concepts by having students compare and refine algorithms for a common task.

Materials Needed: 

• Chart paper

• Markers

• worksheet with different morning routines (algorithms).

Steps:

• Introduction: 

  • Begin by discussing how we follow routines to get ready for school. 

  • Introduce the concept of algorithms as step-by-step instructions to complete a task, like brushing teeth or packing a backpack. 

  • Present two or three different morning routines that achieve the same goal but have different steps (e.g., one routine might include time for breakfast, another time for talking with a friend).

• Group Activity: 

  • In small groups, students will analyze each routine, discussing the pros and cons. 

  • For example, one routine might save time, while another might allow time to care for a pet.

• Writing the Opinion Piece: 

  • After comparing the routines, students will individually write an opinion piece. 

  • They will introduce the routines, state which one they believe is most effective, and provide reasons for their choice. 

  • They will use linking words like "because" and "since" to connect their reasons, and conclude with a statement summarizing why their choice is best.

• Presentation and Discussion: 

  • Students will share their opinion pieces with the class. 

  • Lead a discussion on how different algorithms (routines) achieve the same goal but may be better suited for specific needs or preferences.

Equity and Access: 

Provide graphic organizers to help students structure their writing and support for students needing additional guidance with transitions or organization.

Real-World Application: 

Connect the lesson to how we use routines and algorithms in real life, such as planning a day or following a recipe.

CS Practice(s):

• Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: Students identify the tasks in morning routines and discuss the differences between each.

Standard(s): 

• CA CCSS for ELA-Literacy W.3.1

• CA CS 3-5.AP.10

Objective: 

Students will compare two navigation apps that give different routes for the same destination and write an opinion piece on which app provides the best algorithm for a specific situation. They will provide reasons to support their opinion, use linking words, and conclude with a statement. This lesson integrates computer science by having students compare algorithms generated by navigation systems.

Materials Needed: 

• Tablets or computers with access to two navigation apps (e.g., Google Maps, Apple Maps)

• Writing journals.

Steps:

• Introduction: 

  • Introduce the concept of navigation apps as tools that use algorithms to find the best route to a destination. 

  • Demonstrate two different apps and show how they can suggest different routes based on factors like speed, traffic, or distance.

• Group Activity: 

  • In pairs, students will use both navigation apps to find routes to the same destination. 

  • They will compare the two algorithms, discussing which one is better for a specific goal, such as arriving quickly or taking a scenic route.

• Writing the Opinion Piece: 

  • After comparing the two routes, students will individually write an opinion piece stating which navigation app they believe provided the best route. 

  • They will introduce both apps, explain their choice, and provide reasons such as "because it avoids traffic" or "since it is the shortest distance." 

  • They will use linking words like "therefore" to connect their reasons and conclude with a final statement.

• Presentation and Discussion: 

  • Students will share their opinion pieces with the class. 

  • Lead a discussion about how different algorithms (routes) can be better suited for specific situations, like avoiding traffic or choosing the fastest option.

Equity and Access: 

Provide sentence starters and templates to help students organize their writing. Pair students needing additional support with peers who have strong writing skills.

Real-World Application: 

Discuss how algorithms in navigation apps use real-time data like traffic and distance to generate the best route, similar to how algorithms help with other everyday decisions.

CS Practice(s):

• Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: Students identify the problem of choosing the best route and discuss how the apps generate different solutions.

Standard(s): 

• CA CCSS for ELA-Literacy W.3.1

• CA CS 3-5.AP.10