Algorithms Unplugged
This unplugged topic takes children away from computers to relate algorithms, decomposition and debugging to familiar contexts, such as dressing up, drawing a picture, following directions or making a sandwich while learning why their instructions need to be specific and unambiguous
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Lesson 1: What is an algorithm?
Children are introduced to what an algorithm is and create their own by giving a set of instructions on how to dress a doll
View LessonLesson 2: Algorithm pictures
Children follow algorithms to draw a creature, then develop their own algorithms, building their understanding of how specific they must be with their instructions
View LessonLesson 3: Virtual assistants
By acting like Alexa, Siri or another virtual assistant, children develop their understanding of inputs and outputs
View LessonLesson 4: Step by step
After drawing an image made from simple shapes, children use decomposition to break down the process into steps to enable someone else to replicate the drawing
View LessonLesson 5: Debugging directions
Children are given maps and a set of directions with mistakes or ‘bugs’ in them which they have to debug so that they can reach the destination
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