Embedded Files
Art: Following Algorithms_PK-2
After learning about algorithms, students read The Snowy Day or other winter-themed book. Then, they follow an algorithm to create a piece of art based on the book.
Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away: Coding a Secret Handshake_PK-5
Students will complete a sequential activity after listening to a story. Students will understand the word algorithm.
Students will listen to popular nursery rhymes. They will also learn about sequencing. Then, they will create algorithms to code floor robots to travel across images of popular nursery rhymes in sequential order.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Sequencing_PK
After reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Impatient Caterpillar, students participate in floor robot or unplugged activities to practice sequencing and algorithms while review the butterfly life cycle.
Students will listen to read-aloud stories about colors. Then, they will use their knowlege of colors to learn how to control their Indi robots. (Note: This lesson can be adapted to use other floor robots such as Bee-Bots.)
Letter Recognition: Sequencing_PK-K
Students will use a floor robot to review letters and sight words. Students will move the robot to the correct letters by creating a set of instructions.
Floor Robot Introduction: Coding_PK-K
Students will review algorithms after a read-aloud by putting steps from the story in order. They will transfer their knowledge by coding a robot to follow the same steps.
After reading and learning about making friends, students will complete an introductory lesson on using BeeBots. They will program the BeeBots to meet their favorite stuffed animal and introduce it to the group.
Not Quite Narwhal:Algorithms_PK-K
Students will read and discuss Not Quite Narwhal to discuss problem solving. After using a nonfiction resource to learn about narwhals, they will learn to program the BeeBots to travel back and forth across a mat to represent the book character.
Weather and Seasons: Algorithms_PK-K
Students will learn about weather and seasons and how it impacts what we wear. Then, they will create algorithms to match seasons with appropriate clothing. They will use the BeeBots to travel between matching sets to demonstrate understanding.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie: Conditionals_PK-1
Students read If You Give a Mouse a Cookie to learn about conditionals (If-Then Statements). Afterwards, students create a game that utilizes If-Then statements to get participants to move in certain ways.
Butterfly Life Cycle: Sequencing_PK-1
Students will use non-fiction texts and databases to learn about the butterfly life cycle. Then, they will show their understanding by coding floor robots or completing unplugged activities in the correct sequence of the life cycle.
Flerby Adventures on the Grid: Unplugged Algorithms Activity_Grade K
Students will work together to learn what an algorithm is, along with directional commands given in algorithms, to move an imaginary character along a map in this unplugged activity.
After reading about snow or snow plows, students will engineer a snow plow to attach to the BeeBot robots. Then, they will program the BeeBots to clear away snow (cottonballs) using their attachment to test its design.
Introduction to Scratch Jr. Coding: Programming_K
Students will learn that programming is like speaking another language. Through literature and examples, they will learn to navigate and use Scratch Jr in hands on applications. They will learn the language of programming used by computers.
Dragons Love Tacos: Debugging_K
After reading Dragons Love Tacos, students will follow algorithms to collect tacos for dragon's party. In the following lesson, they will find errors in an algorithm and try to correct them.
Community Helpers: Algorithms_K
After studying community helpers, students will demonstrate their knowledge by programming a floor robot to visit their community helper on a floor mat.
Code Problem Solving: Debugging_K
After reading a non-fiction book about debugging, students will use a Code.org module to identify and fix errors in code.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly: Sequencing_K
After reading There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, students review the definition of sequencing. Then, they learn how it applies in coding and use a Code.org module to practice sequencing skills.
Yoshi and the Ocean: Algorithms and Decomposition_K-1
Students will research sea turtles and then read the story Yoshi and the Ocean. After learning about the route traveled by Yoshi, students will retell the story with floor robots by creating an algorith to retrace Yoshi's steps.
Students will use a fiction book and nonfiction database to learn about Diwali and its traditions. On the second class session, students will create or debug an algorithm to have the floor robots visit significant events used to celebrate Diwali.
Counting 10 by 10 with Bee-Bot: Algorithms_K-1st
Students will review types of insects and counting by tens through a read aloud and song. Then, they will code BeeBot robots to travel a grid to stop at groups of 10 insects to practice counting by 10s.
Students will learn about traditions and then read Bowwow Powwow. Afterwards, students will create an algorithm to make a floor robot recall a powwow dance.
The Sweetest Scoop: Debugging_K-1
After reading The Sweetest Scoop, students will learn how ice cream is made. They will learn the difference between facts and opinions and share one of each about ice cream. Finally, students will use floor robots to review how ice cream is made. In this activity, they will debug a code that is provided to them.
Acorn Was a Little Wild: Algorithm_K-1
After reading Acorn Was a Little Wild, students will learn about how seeds help distribute new plants. Finally, students will help "plant" new trees by using the floor robot to push fake acorns across a mat to brown paper squares representing holes of dirt.
Directions: Writing Algorithms_K-1
After practiving writing algorithms with arrows as a whole group, students will write algorithms to guide a "dog" to pictures of places around the classroom.
Bugs, Bugs, Bugs: ScratchJr_K-1
Students will learn about the different ways insects can move, crawling or flying. Using Scratch Jr., they will write a program to show how different insects move.
Story Sequence: Algorithms_K-1
Students learn about algorithms through a hands-on activity of creating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Then, they connect this to a diverse children's book about creating a special food. Finally, students use Scratch Jr. to review the sequence of the story.
Decomposition and Problem Solving: K-1
After reading Pig the Elf, students will determine which toy to create for the character. They will decompose, or break down into smaller steps, how that toy should be created. They will draw and write out the steps before creating the final product.
Becoming a Better Artist: Coding_K-2nd
Students discuss whether or not computers can help us create better art. Then, they use a Code.org module to test whether or not this is true.
Making a Friend: Code & Go Mouse_K-2nd
After reading Making a Friend, students will learn how to use the Code & Go Mouse robot. Then, they will work together to retell the story and make friends with the animals through algorithms and coding.
Story Elements with Code and Go Mice: Floor Robots_K-2nd
After reading a sequential story, students will review story elements by coding floor robots to gather those pieces on a floor mat.
I Want 100 Dogs: Algorithms_K-3
After reading I Want 100 Dogs, students will review counting a specific set or an addition problem. They will use the floor robots to move to specific pictures and then count or add the items in the pictures.
After reading a story as a class, students will learn about sequence of plot. Then, they will use Scratch Jr. to create a program and algorithms that retell the story in the correct sequence.
What Pet Should I Get: Floor Robots_K-2nd
Students will read What Pet Should I Get? and discuss what collaboration means. Then, they will apply collaboration skills by writing an algorithm to program a BeeBot across a mat to choose a pet for their team.
The Most Magnificent Thing: Invention research/application_K-5
After reading The Most Magnificent Thing, students will work in collaborative groups to design and build a doghouse. They will also read a nonfiction text on debugging and work to debug and improve their design before building.
Students learn how to navigate the Hour of Code website and work on activities available on the website.
BeeBot Introduction: Algorithms_1
Students will read about robots. Then, they will learn to use the BeeBot robots.
Students will learn how to use symbols in coding, as well as debug a code. They will review and learn Scratch Jr through hands on applications.
Black History Month: Algorithms_1
Students will learn about the history of Black History Month and famous African-Americans. Then, they will read Black is a Rainbow Color and practice using the BeeBots to visit each color.
Screen Free Week: Algorithms_1
After reading How to Code a Roller Coaster and learning about screen free week, students brainstorm screen free activities they enjoy. Then, they program the BeeBot to collect those activities to prepare to celebrate the week.
Students will learn how storyboards help us create sequences. Then, they will create a storyboard to put a read aloud in the correct sequence. Afterwards, they will work with a partner to debug errors by identifying and correcting inaccuracies in their storyboard.
Get to Know Your Library: Coding Floor Robots_1
Students review areas of the library by creating a map of it. Then, they debug the map by using BeeBots or the BeeBot simulator online to practice algorithms.
BeeBot Introduction: Algorithms_1
Students will learn a definition of coding through videos and a read aloud. Then, they will apply the concept of coding while learning to use BeeBot robots.
After reading and learning about Valentine's Day, students will create their own Valentine heart for the BeeBot. In the following lesson, they will write an algorithm for the BeeBots to collect its valentines.
After researching ants on PebbleGo or another database, students will write algorithms to program BeeBots as pretend ants to travel to different food images on the mat.
Sequencing with Angry Birds: Algorithms_1
Students will review cardinal directions and how they can be represented on a map. Then, using a map in Code.org, students will write a program to move a sprite in the correct directions.
Little Red Fort Retell Story: Sequencing_1-2
Students review sequencing with a Capstone eBook and read aloud story. Then, they use Scratch Jr. to create algorithms to retell the story in sequence.
Acorn Was a Little Wild: Coding the Plant Cycle_Grades 1-2
After reading Acorn Was a Little Wild, students will program a scene with Scratch Jr to depict the changes of the character throughout the story.
The Sweetest Scoop: Algorithms and Data_1st-3rd
Using a biographical story, students will create a pictorial algorithm that also focuses on how the characters solved problems (debugged). After that, they will gather data to present to the class and analyze.
BeeBot Introduction: Algorithms_2
Students will review the use and care of BeeBot floor robots. Then, they will use a popular board game to practice coding the robots.
Design Better Products: Algorithms_2
After reading a story about building products to solve problems, students will work in collaborative groups to identify a problem. Then, they will brainstorm a solution, write the algorithm to build their solution and build it.
Students will read and learn about the jobs of honeybees and compare them to a sequence. Then, they will code the Bee Bots to follow the correct sequence of the bees' jobs.
Students will review wants and needs. Then, they will program BeeBot robots to collect pictures of items that are "needs" on a mat.
After review U.S. Symbols, students will use the BeeBots to match the symbols and their definitions on a floor mat.
Branches of Government: Algorithms_2
Students will review the branches of government. Then, they will program the BeeBot to travel from a responsibility to the correct branch of government.
Acorn Was a Little Wild: Algorithms and Abstraction_2-3
After reading Acorn Was a Little Wild, students will create a map of a new adventure for Acorn to practice abstraction. Then, they will write and record an algorithm for the floor robot to show the order that Acorn will travel on their map.
There's a Ghost in This House: Algorithms_2-3
Students will read There's a Ghost in This House. Then, they will write an algorithm to have a floor robot to collect ghosts on a mat. Finally, they will review their algorithm to see any ghosts or places they missed in their algorithm.
Students will learn about Native American culture and read Fry Bread. Then, they will compare how a recipe is similar to an algorithm. Finally, they will use floor robots to travel through the sequence of making fry bread.
The Sweetest Scoop: Debugging_2-3
After reading The Sweetest Scoop, students will make a text-to-self connection and review the steps of the ice cream making process. Then, they will use floor robots to test an algorithm. Finally, they will identify and correct mistakes in the algorithm to debug it.
After reading a book that shows diverse foods throughout different cultures, students will use a Code.org module to create sprites that represent foods from their culture.
Quilts: Loops and Conditionals_2-3
After researching and reading about Native American quilts and art designs, students will use an online tutorial. In this tutorial from Code.org, they will create quilt designs while applying loops and conditionals.
Telling time with Finch Robots_2-3
Students will review telling time on an analog clock and then use the Finch robotto locate different times on the clock. Students will locate the hour and the minute hand.
The Library Lion: Call Number Identification and Algorithms_2-3
After a read-aloud, students will brainstorm important sections of their library and create a map. Then they will create an algorithm to help them locate books using Destiny and call numbers.
Yoshi and the Ocean: Questioning, Decomposition_2-3
Students will read Yoshi and the Ocean and create questions about sea turtles. After sorting questions into thick and thin, they will use databases to find an answer to their questions. Next, students will decompose Yoshi's journey into a sequence and create a map to code a floor robot to travel that sequence.
Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away: ScratchJr_ 2-4
Students will use Scratch to create a program using loops. The program will be based on the book characters and continuation of the story.
Building a Soccer Field: Writing Algorithms_2-5
Students listen to The Floating Field to discuss the problems faced by the Thai boys in playing soccer successfully. Then, they write algorithms for building a more reliable field that will float.
Mapping the LMC: Abstraction and Algorithms_3
Students will learn the word abstraction and work in teams to create a map to review areas of their library media center. Then, students will write algorithms to have Code and Go Mouse robots visit different areas of the media center on their created maps.
Women's History Month: Algorithms_3
Students learn about the life of Evelyn Glennie, a deaf musician. Then, they demonstrate their understanding of her major life events by programming the BeeBots to visit those events in order of occurrence.
Growth Mindset and Maker Mentality: STEM Challenges_3
Students will use STEM task cards to break down a problem into smaller parts in order to solve or recreate it. They will practice perserverange during these challenges.
Students will review types of forces. Then, they will draw pictures of different forces and program the BeeBot to answer Push or Pull on the mat.
Spanish Is the Language of My Family: Algorithms_3
After reading Spanish Is the Language of My Family and illustrating a word of their choice, students will use the Scratch Animate a Name tutorial to apply algorithms to code the word to move.
Students will learn how they can use code to impact the mood or theme of a poem.
Reading and Simple Tasks: Algorithms_3-5
Students practice recording algorithms for simple tasks within the classroom. After trying one another's algorithms, they will debug them. Finally, they will read the story Robot Rumpus and fix a character's problem by giving them a new algorithm to follow.
Introduction to Dash and Sphero Robots: Problem Solving_3-5
Students learn how to use Sphero and Dash robots. The lesson is connected to SEL and mindset through read-alouds and students' self-assessment.
Biography Project: Scratch_Grade3-5
Students will read and take notes about a notable member of society and how he/she impacted our lives. They will retell the main events of the person's life using Scratch.
How to Read a Book: Writing an Algorithm_3-5
Students will review how to create algorithms and then write an algorithm that gives the correct sequence to read a book.
Code a Book Cover: Program Development_3-5
Students will use programs on Code.org to create a digital book cover.
*Note: Any books that are age and interest level appropriate for the class will work for this lesson.
Animal Adaptations: Algorithms_3-5
After reviewing animal adaptations, students will use a Code.org module to code examples to visually represent their learning.
Evil Princess vs Brave Knight:Characterization_3-5
Students will use Scratch and use variables and loop blocks to create an interactive scene based on the read-aloud book.
Students read The Floating Field and conduct research related to themes of the book, such as soccer and Thailand. Students work in teams to create a poster to share their learning with others. Then, teams work to code Spheros to play soccer on a mockup field.
Geography of MD and Cultural Impact: Coding Robots or Scratch_4
Students study various counties in Maryland to learn about its geography. Then, they create a Scratch project to communicate what they have learned or create a map for Ozobots that depicts the county's topography.
Tiny Homes PBL: Program Development_4-5
Students will research the tiny house movement. Then, they will interview a "client" to discover their needs and draft a blueprint of a tiny house. Finally, they will use Microsoft EDU to create a program of the tiny house.
Her Name Was Mary Katharine: Primary Sources and Algorithms_4-5
Students will use a primary source analysis tool from the Library of Congress to make predictions and observations of the Declaration of Independence. Then, they will read and fill in knowledge gaps with the book Her Name Was Mary Katharine. Finally, students will create a floor robot map that depicts several colonies and write an algorithm to have the BeeBot deliver the Declaration of Independence.
Locating Library Resources: Robotics_4-5
Students participate in a review of the media center, specifically the Dewey Decimal system and where to locate books. Then, students code robots to travel to different areas on a map or within the media center to review their knowledge of where books are located.
Fantasy Genre Elements: 3D Printing_4-5
Students will review and study the elements of the fantasy genre. Then, they will create a story map to design and write their own fantasy short story. Finally, students will use TinkerCad to create a character from their story to share in a gallery walk. In the gallery walk, they will practice being respectful members of the learning community.
Don’t Judge a Book by It’s Cover: Abstraction_4-5
Students will examine how book covers change over time and editions, learning how cover art changes to fit appeal to different audiences and represent certain aspects of the book. Students will work in teams to create new covers for their favorite books to apply principles of abstraction.
Coding Interactive School Maps: Algorithms and Abstraction_Grade 5
Students will apply abstraction skills by designing a map to teacher primary students about important locations within the school building. Then, they will use a Code.org template to create an online version of their map by utilizing coding blocks.
Choose your own adventure!: Variables and Conditionals_5
Students will learn the vocabulary of variables and conditionals. Then, they will read the book Lunch From Home. They will connect this story to how everyone has choices to make that can be "if then" opportunities. Students will model school rules by creating flowcharts that show if-then ideas of what happens when choices are made.
BeeBot Introduction: Algorithms_4
After reading about a popular game, students will review how to code their floor robot. Then, they will practice their skills using a game in collaborative groups. Students will review algorithms and apply them to a floor robot game. In the game, students must construct multiple algorithms in order to achieve the same task. Then, they will decide which is most efficient.
Students will create and debug algorithms to create the second half of a symmetrical shape. Then, they will program the algorithms into the BeeBots to test and debug the code.
Black History Month: Famous Programmers and Algorithms_4
After researching famous African American programmers and their technological contributions, students will program floor robots to match the programmer with their invention. Students will have to write and debug multiple algorithms to complete the task.
Branches of Government: Algorithms_5
After review the branches of government and their roles, students will draw game questions. They will program the BeeBot to travel to the correct branch of government on the mat. They will also write their algorithm and debug it.
Using Events to Solve Fraction Word Problems: Programming_5
Students will use a Code.org module to practice solving fraction word problems and applying algorithms in real life situations.
Simulating Communicable Diseases with Event Code: Programming_5
In connection with health lessons on communicable diseases, students will use Code.org simulators to review prevention of diseases and programming skills.
Are you a media specialist with a great lesson that you would like to add to the database? Share it here for peer review and curation. For more information, please contact:
Jen McCallion: McCalJen@wcps.k12.md.us, Kimberley Row: kimberley.b.row@mcpsmd.net, and Jen Siderius: jennifer.siderius@fcps.org
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