Algorithms
K-2 Computer Science Modules Series
A subconcept of
Algorithms and Programming
Standard K.AP.A.1: Model daily processes by creating and following sets of step-by-step instructions (algorithms) to complete tasks.
Overview of the Lesson
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What Real-World Problem Does the Standard Address?
On the next slide is a recipe for some whole wheat sugar cookies. If you have made any baked goods before, these will look familiar. Ponder a few questions as you read through this recipe:
What Real-World Problem Does the Standard Address?
Task: As you read the recipe, think about:
Click the image below to view the recipe.
Your Turn
Regarding the recipe you reviewed: Are there any steps that you could skip? If so, which ones? Could you change the order of any of the steps? If so, which ones? | |
How is a recipe connected to this computer science standard? | |
What Does the Standard Say?
In this section you will examine the standard and think about the learning targets and potential ways of measuring student understanding of the concept by addressing the session question, "What does the standard say?"
Deconstructing the Standard
Examine how a colleague would interpret the parts of the standard for a student or parent. As you read, think about how you would help a parent interpret the standard language, if you would use the same common understandings, and why it would be important to interpret the standard.
Standard: K.AP.A.1 Model daily processes by creating and following sets of step-by-step instructions (algorithms) to complete tasks. | |
Standard Language | Common Understanding |
algorithms | Definition: Step-by-step processes to complete tasks. Your routine when you wake up each morning from the time you get out of bed until the time you get in the car could include various steps you usually follow in order to get ready for school, so in a sense, you follow a daily algorithm. Tasks can be broken down even further in some cases. For example, just the portion of getting in the car could involve the following sequence: 1. taking the keys out of your pocket 2. hitting the button on the fob to unlock the car door 3. sitting down in the driver's seat 4. shutting the driver's door 5. putting on your seat belt When programming a computer, designers also break down a larger problem into smaller steps, and this is essentially what makes up an algorithm. |
The Embedded Content of the Standard
As you watch the following video about how to brush your teeth, think about what parts of the process are related to this standard.
Think about a few other questions that extend beyond the standard that may help you as you are working with your students:
The Embedded Content of the Standard
Now that you've thought about an algorithm associated with brushing your teeth, let's consider what this standard means for you and your students. First of all, you'll notice that this kindergarten standard focuses on the modeling of the algorithm, though ability and age of students could certainly lend itself to writing these as well.
What kinds of tasks might you choose to have students model?
Another way modeling of algorithms can be done is through art. Watch this video clip, "How to Draw a Fish Step by Step." Notice that the video gets to the heart of this standard. The artist created an algorithm for drawing this and, in this video, is following that algorithm using just modeling, no words, to complete the task.
To start building their computer science thinking, this standard really steps away from the computer entirely and works to train the mind to create algorithms by combining many smaller tasks into more complex tasks.
Achieving the Standard
Learning Targets (Student Friendly Language) | Assessment Targets (Student Evidence) |
Standard: K.AP.A.1. Model daily processes by creating and following sets of step-by-step instructions (algorithms) to complete tasks. | |
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Your Turn
With respect to the standard, tell about three things you learned? | |
What are a couple other real-world connections you can make to this standard? | |
What Could This Look Like for My Students?
Think about what activities you would want your students to do in your classroom to develop their understanding.
1. Generate 3 lesson activities or ideas that would help students reach mastery of the standard.
2. Use the learning targets from the previous section as a guide of what students need to know.
3. Focus on the standard as an end goal.
Your Turn
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2 | |
3 | |
Describe in at 3-5 sentences each of the 3 lesson activities or ideas you came up with according to the instructions on the previous slide.
What Resources Could Support Further Implementation?
In this final section, you will use your knowledge of the standard to examine some potential resources. When you look through the resources, it is important to recognize that students need to actively participate in developing their understanding.
Resources About the Content
Which Algorithms Really Matter
What is here: How to choose practical algorithms.
Resource Link: https://www.slideshare.net/tdunning/which-algorithms-really-matter
How Algorithms Shape Our World
What is here: This will help teachers understand the importance of algorithms by showing how they have a real impact--sometimes one that isn't desired--in our lives and our world. This video will add relevance to the content.
Resource Link: https://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_slavin_how_algorithms_shape_our_world
Resources for Case Studies
Why Study Algorithms
What is here: Provides some cases in which study of this particular standard is valuable.
Resource Link: https://runestone.academy/ns/books/published/pythonds/Introduction/WhyStudyAlgorithms.html
Why Should I Learn Algorithms
What is here: Scroll down to see how different algorithms make a difference with the case study of "brute force" and "divide and conquer."
Resource Link: https://www.quora.com/Why-should-I-learn-algorithms-What-are-they-exactly-and-what-do-they-help-with
Resources for Lesson Ideas
How to Explain Algorithms to Kids
What is here: Ideas for teaching algorithms to young students and how to tie them in with math and science.
Resource Link: https://www.tynker.com/blog/articles/ideas-and-tips/how-to-explain-algorithms-to-kids/
Unplugged - Happy Maps
What is here: Helps students ages 4+ bridge the meaning between algorithms and coding.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/hrnhiKAQ1_k
Lesson Link: https://code.org/curriculum/course1/1/Teacher
Resources for Lesson Ideas
Unplugged - Move It, Move It
What is here: Helps students understand that a common language is needed in order to give clear instructions. Geared for ages 6+.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/VGi2bnRFqzM
Lesson Link: https://code.org/curriculum/course1/2/Teacher
Unplugged - My Robotic Friends
What is here: Guiding one another to complete tasks without any verbal cues. Suitable for ages 6+.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/xaW3PAzHxCU
Lesson Link: https://curriculum.code.org/csf-1718/courseb/6/
Resources for Lesson Ideas
Unplugged - Real-Life Algorithms: Plant a Seed
What is here: Relates the concept of algorithms to everyday, real-life activities through planting an actual seed with the goal of starting to build the skills to translate real-world situations to online scenarios. Excellent connection to Next Generation Science Standards for this age/grade.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/FHsuEh1kJ18
Lesson Link: https://curriculum.code.org/csf-1718/coursea/3/
How Many Guesses?
What is here: Includes lesson and printables for helping students ages 5-7 learn about a practical algorithm used for searching for data on a computer.
Resource Link: https://csunplugged.org/en/topics/searching-algorithms/sequential-and-binary-search-unit-plan/how-many-guesses-junior/
Resources for Lesson Ideas
Divide and Conquer
What is here: Includes lesson and printables for helping students ages 5-7 learn about algorithms for binary searches.
Resource Link: https://csunplugged.org/en/topics/searching-algorithms/sequential-and-binary-search-unit-plan/divide-and-conquer-junior/
Resources for Simulations
Resource Name: Sorting Algorithms Animations
What is here: This will give you an idea of the vast number of algorithms that can be used in sorting and simulates how they all work in comparison to one another.
Resource Link: https://www.toptal.com/developers/sorting-algorithms
Your Turn
What resources looked most useful to you and why? | |
What resources or information do you still need to seek out and why? | |