Algorithms
Algorithms
Success Criteria:
The Student will read and complete an algorithm.
The Student will create his/her own algorithm.
Vocabulary:
step - one of multiple actions in a sequence
sequence - events arranged in a specific order, from beginning to end
algorithm - a list of steps to finish a task
origami - the Japanese art of folding paper into shapes
perseverance - continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition
Let's Listen
Algorithms:
Why do computers need Algorithms?
When do we need Algorithms in our life?
Challenge 1:
Have you ever made Origami?
If you don't know how to, how can you learn?
Let's read this book - More-igmi
Do you think you can be like Joey and follow the algorithm to make an Origami?
Let's try it together!
Challenge 2:
Creating Algorithms
Challenge 3: Can you create your own Algorithm
Activity 1: The Robot Walk (10-15 minutes)
Materials Needed: Tape to mark a start and end point on the floor, obstacle cones or objects to move around.
Instructions: Pair up students. One is the “robot” and the other is the “programmer.”
Goal: The "programmer" will give step-by-step instructions to guide the "robot" through a simple obstacle course.
For example: "Take 3 steps forward," "Turn left," or "Walk around the cone."
Encourage the "programmers" to think about each step and adjust as they see their “robots” move.
Activity 2: Building a LEGO Tower Algorithm (10-15 minutes)
Materials Needed: Small LEGO blocks or other stackable objects.
Instructions: Give each student or pair a set of identical blocks.
Goal: Students create a simple algorithm for building a tower (e.g., “Place red block on the table, then add a blue block on top,” etc.).
Ask them to write or draw their algorithm on paper and then follow it to build their towers.
Activity 3: Draw a Picture Using Steps (5-10 minutes)
Materials Needed: Paper, crayons or markers.
Instructions: Students create an algorithm to draw a simple picture, like a house or a tree.
Guide them through the steps, e.g., “Draw a big square in the middle of the paper,” “Add a triangle on top of the square,” etc.
After they complete their drawings, talk about how the order of steps made a difference.
Review
What is something you learned today?
How do Algorithms help you?
How did you persevere today?