Spatial Reasoning & Sequencing with Code.org

Students will use arrow blocks to give multi-step instructions (including distances) for Scrat to collect food and avoid obstacles. Students get immediate feedback if their instructions work. Watch instructions and then try an activity. Explore an unplugged lesson plan for introducing the activity with a class.

Learn how to set up a class account in Code.org and monitor your students' progress.

Coding Concepts: Sequential

Repetition, Directions, Patterning & Shapes

Students can explore repetition while exploring scaffolded challenges and their own drawings. Mathematically, students will decompose a shape into its largest repeatable sequence and create complex shapes by repeating simple sequences. Struggling coders could follow this tutorial. Explore the links to art in this video.

Coding Concepts: Sequential, repeating events

Patterning & Repetition (Scratch JR)

Students can build their own patterns with characters and their movements - students can explore the patterns in their characters' dances. Students can use loop blocks to capture the core pattern - and then run the code to check if they are correct. See the ScratchJR page for resources for getting started and videos on various tools. Google slides with links

Coding Concepts: Sequential, repeating events; concurrent and nesting events are possible.

Directions & Path Finding (Scratch JR)

Teachers can build paths for their students to code; when the code is run, students can get immediate feedback. Students can create challenges for their peers. Scratch JR has a 20 X 15 grid to start students learning about position and coordinates. See the ScratchJR page for resources for getting started and videos on various tools. Google slides with links.

Coding Concepts: Sequential, concurrent, repeating events; nesting events are possible.