Paper Airplanes: Real-Life Algorithms

1) LESSON PLAN BY CODE.ORG

2) CODE.ORG VIDEO

3) TED-ED LESSON 1

4)  TED-ED LESSON 2

ESTIMATED COST:

$0.08

PER STUDENT

Photo cred: ScienceBuddies.org

Required materials:

paper, scissors, glue

Code.org Description:

This lesson calls out ways we use algorithms in our daily lives, specifically making paper airplanes. This lesson also focuses on the bigger picture of computer science and how algorithms play an essential part.

NGSS alignment:

2. Developing and using models 4. Analyzing and interpreting data 5. Using mathematics and computational thinking 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Conditionals with Cards

1) LESSON PLAN BY HOUR OF CODE

2) CODE.ORG VIDEO

3) CODE.ORG TEACHER VIDEO

3) TED-Ed LESSON

ESTIMATED COST:

$0.12

PER STUDENT

Photo cred: Zazzle

Required materials:

paper, markers, glue

Hour of Code Description:

We don’t always know ahead of time what things will be like when we run our computer programs. Different users have different needs, and sometimes you will want to do something based off of one user’s need that you don’t want to do with someone else. That is where conditionals come in. This lesson demonstrates how conditionals can be used to tailor a program to specific information.

NGSS alignment:

2. Developing and using models 4. Analyzing and interpreting data 5. Using mathematics and computational thinking 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Graph Paper Programming

 

1) LESSON PLAN BY CODE.ORG

2) CODE.ORG VIDEO

3) CODE.ORG TEACHER VIDEO

4) TED-Ed LESSON

ESTIMATED COST:

$0.08

PER STUDENT

Photo cred: ScienceBuddies.org

Required materials:

paper, markers, glue

Code.org Description:

This lesson calls out ways we use algorithms in our daily lives, specifically making paper airplanes. This lesson also focuses on the bigger picture of computer science and how algorithms play an essential part.

NGSS alignment:

2. Developing and using models 4. Analyzing and interpreting data 5. Using mathematics and computational thinking 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Pixel Perfect Low-tech Comp Sci

1) LESSON PLAN BY HOUR OF CODE

2) VIDEO BY CODE.ORG

3) TED-ED LESSON 1

4) TED-ED LESSON 2

ESTIMATED COST:

$0.08

PER STUDENT

Photo cred: Hour of Code

Required materials:

markers and graph paper (or index cards and a ruler)

Description:

This low-tech offline lesson plan covers the basics of computer graphics. After learning about how graphics work, students will create their own Color by Pixel programs.

Tips:

If graph paper is difficult to find, create the grids on index cards with a ruler. For a high-tech extension of this lesson, click here.

NGSS alignment:

2. Developing and using models  3. Planning and carrying out investigations 4. Analyzing and interpreting data 5. Using mathematics and computational thinking 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

Low-tech Comp Sci: Robot Friends

1) THINKERSMITH LESSON PLAN

2) TINKERSMITH VIDEO

3) TED-Ed LESSON

ESTIMATED COST:

$0.04

PER STUDENT

Photo cred: Tinkersmith

Required materials:

paper, markers, cups

Description:

This computer science lesson is a great low-tech introduction to coding. My Robotic Friends teaches students the connection between symbols and actions, as well as the valuable skill of debugging. Using a predefined “Robot Vocabulary,” students will figure out how to guide one another to accomplish specific tasks without discussing them first.

Tips:

The lesson plan has great adjustments for lower elementary, upper elementary and grades 7+.

NGSS alignment:

2. Developing and using models 4. Analyzing and interpreting data 5. Using mathematics and computational thinking 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information