Lesson 4

Exploring Algorithms

Students will explore algorithms and sequence by creating an algorithm for recreating a simple shape drawing. But there's a catch: students will be including 3 bugs in their algorithm that a partner must find and correct.

Objectives

Computer Science Objectives

Students will create an algorithm that provides the steps to recreate an original shape drawing
Students will use logical reasoning to debug a peer’s algorithm for errors

Language Objectives

Students will collaborate with peers to exchange information and ideas to debug the codes.
Students will use knowledge of general and academic language to explain the debug process

Language Frames

Lesson 4 Language Frame Placemat

Emerging

This____is different from_____

I would change ____ to ____

I changed ___ to ___

Expanding

This____is different from that_____because

I would change___to___to debug the algorithm

I debugged the program by changing ___

Bridging

This____is different from that_____because one has_____and the other doesn't have

In order to debug the algorithm, I would change___to___

I debugged the algorithms by fixing ___

Lesson Plan

Lesson 4: Exploring Algorithms

Vocabulary

algorithm: A list of steps that you can follow to finish a task.
program: An algorithm that has been coded into something that can be run by a machine.
debugging: Finding and fixing errors in algorithms or programs.

Materials

Projector
Markers/crayons/pencils/colored pencils
Student Workbook (p. 4; p. 9-10) or handouts:

Shape Drawing Algorithms

Additional Resources

Unspotted Bugs story from Code.org
What's the Problem? Steps for Debugging Programs poster
Original Shape Drawing Algorithm lesson from Barefoot Computing at School
Use a computer-based paint tool like Google Drawings or Sumo Paint to add a "plugged" component to the shape drawing part of this lesson

Standards

Computer Science

CSTA 1B-AP-08: Compare and refine multiple algorithms for the same task and determine which is the most appropriate.
CSTA 1B-AP-15: Test and debug a program or algorithm to ensure it runs as intended.

English Language Arts

ELA SL.3.1,6: Speak in complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation in order to provide requested detail or clarification.
ELA L.3.3: Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
ELA L.3.6: Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate conversational, general academic, and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal spatial and temporal relationships.

English Language Development

1. Exchanging information and ideas.
3. Offering opinions.

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