Algorithms

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.