CODING - Grade K

Lesson

Unplugged Coding

Coding works on Logical Thinking 

Sequence Unplugged Coding Activities

Definition: Sequence is an order of events

Activity 1: Code a Friend

Partners | Materials: None

1. One partner is the “coder” and one partner is the “robot”.

2. The coder decides on a simple task for their partner “robot” to do; the simpler the task, the better, like “take five steps, hop one time, turn around, touch the floor, etc.”

3. Next, the coder gives their partner “robot” step-by-step instructions, also known as an algorithm, to complete the task. “Robots” need to remember that they can only do exactly what their coder tells them to do. 

4. If one of the steps is incorrect or not specific enough, this will result in a bug in their algorithm and it will need to be redone.

5. Switch places when finished.

Coding Connection: Computers need an explicit sequence of instructions to do anything! As a result, there will be bugs and the program won’t work correctly if instruction (code) is not clear enough.

Activity 2: Origami Without Instructions

Individual | Materials: Square paper (origami paper preferred)

1. Take a square piece of paper and fold it into the shape of a fish - no cutting, gluing, or looking at references!

2. When done, reflect on the process - How did it go? What was easy? What was difficult? How long did it take?

3. Then, take another piece of paper and fold it into a fish again, but this time, refer to these step-by-step instructions. 

4. Reflect again - How do the two fish compare? Which process was easier or faster? Which process would you choose if you had to do it again?

Coding Connection: When creating paper animals, a clear sequence of instructions will help save time and minimize mistakes.  This is also true for computer code, because a computer needs step-by-step instructions written in code to perform tasks.

Activity 3: Treasure Obstacle Course

Pairs or Group | Materials: Treasure, paper and pencil

1. One person hides a piece of “treasure” (this could be anything!) in an indoor or outdoor space.

2. Next, the treasure hider writes out instructions explaining how to find the hidden object. The instructions need to be very clear so the finder knows exactly what to do - otherwise, they won’t get to the treasure! Example:

3. Take 10 steps STRAIGHT

4. Turn RIGHT and take 5 big hops

5. Turn LEFT and crawl 8 times

6. Dig 2 inches down to find the treasure!

7. Once the instructions are written, the finder follows them exactly.

8. If instructions aren’t clear enough, the hider may need to find the bug and fix it so the finder can successfully reach the treasure.

9. Switch places when finished.

Coding Connection: The treasure finder needs very clear instructions for how to find the treasure, just like computers need very clear and concrete algorithms to execute their tasks. 

Sources:  https://www.kodable.com/learn/unplugged-coding-activities

https://www.kodable.com/learn/unplugged-coding-activities