Introduction
Understand what algorithms are and that they are implemented as programs on digital devices
Self study resources
Activity usually taught with children in years 4 - 6, and trainee teachers on modelling algorithms using a simple card trick using a flow diagram. The video is there to help teachers understand how the trick works and if necessary use it with their class.
Algorithms on the RethinkingICT Wiki Includes some more resources regarding algorithms.
Simple definition shared with some KS1 teachers at West Hove Infants " An algorithm is a set of steps or instructions to work something out or make something happen." This further explanation from a kids encyclopedia helped.
Crowd sourced document with a range of links and ideas for teaching algorithms
Relevant apps to look at for those schools that have ipads on www.ipadsinprimary.co.uk (some of these apps will be available for android)
Resources for group study
flowdiagram.doc and dryrun_program.doc examples of simple programs and how to follow the sequence of steps
Teaching a four year old about algorithms - a geek dad's perspective.
Computing A simple Prezi explanation of the four elements of computational thinking (decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and algorithm design).
Programming Basics A Prezi guide to basic programming constructs with Scratch examples.
Kevin Slavin's TED talk: how algorithms rule our world
Chris Bishop's 3rd Royal Institution Christmas Lecture, The Ghost in the Machine.
Resources for use with pupils
2DIY from 2Simple: design your own games and assign actions to sprites in 2DIY software.
Phil Bagg's Sandwich Bot is a great way to show algorithms without any tech.
An very simple explanation of an algorithm for KS1 on a schools learning platform.
Thinking Myself: Computational Thinking in K-12 A peek into computational thinking through a series of lessons and games for children in grades K-12 defining the terms decompose, patterns, abstraction, algorithms and variables through examples and interactions.
Tinkersmith's Travelling Circuits: introduces kids to computational concepts though 'unplugged' activities such as: 'My Robotic Friends': a physical activity instructing friends to connect symbols and actions, compose algorithms and debug with plastic cups. 'Fun with Functions': teaching functions and recursion through making knots. 'Binary Baubles': making bracelets representing numbers and letters in binary.
Sherston software: If this has been purchased in school, look out for Charlie Chimp's Modelling party, Flobot and Little Brown Bear on the farm. Great resources that the children enjoy using.
iPad apps: Cato's hike, A.L.E.X, move the turtle, beebot and Daisy dino are key apps
Sequencing, Programming and Sorting: three useful sets of activities for introducing directional programming, conditional statements and algorithms from TESiboard.