According to the interim CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards for Algorithms and Programs, by the end of 5th grade, students should be able to:
- Decompose (break down) a larger problem into smaller sub-problems, independently or in a collaborative group.
- Construct and execute an algorithm (set of step-by-step instructions) that includes sequencing, loops, and conditionals to accomplish a task, both independently and collaboratively, with or without a computing device.
- Create a plan as part of the iterative design process, both independently and with diverse collaborative teams (e.g., storyboard, flowchart, pseudo-code, story map).
- Construct programs, in order to solve a problem or for creative expression, that include sequencing, events, loops, conditionals, parallelism, and variables, using a block-based visual programming language or text-based language, both independently and collaboratively (e.g., pair programming).
- Use mathematical operations to change a value stored in a variable.
- Analyze and debug (fix) an algorithm that includes sequencing, events, loops, conditionals, parallelism, and variables.
- Apply collaboration strategies to support problem solving within the design cycle of a program.
- Use proper citations and document when ideas are borrowed and changed for their own use (e.g., using pictures created by others, using music created by others, remixing programming projects).
Here are some options for students to show off their powers of coding wizardry: