Code.org CS Fundamentals unplugged lessons: Dice Race, My Robotic Friends, Paper Planes, Plant a Seed, Tangrams¶

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Description¶

The deck recommends five named Code.org CS Fundamentals lessons for introducing algorithms: "Dice Race", "My Robotic Friends", "Real-life Algorithms:Paper Planes", "Real-life Algorithms: Plant a Seed", and "Tangrams". These are unplugged-style activities that ground the algorithm vocabulary in physical tasks, and the deck points teachers to a Code.org YouTube video for support.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Teachers need access to the Code.org lesson materials and the accompanying YouTube video

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• Students in grades 3-8

Target Learning Goals¶

• Building, following, and refining algorithms through real-life unplugged tasks

Related Elements¶

• Ten-term algorithm vocabulary set for grades 3-8
• Codable maze unplugged lesson for shortest-distance algorithms across content areas
• CT Boosters: 30-minute algorithmic-thinking professional learning sessions for grades 3-8
• Scratch coding activities expressing content as interactive illustrations, games, or stories

Examples¶

• Embed algorithmic thinking lessons across content, standalone, SEL, problem-based, and review contexts
• Use a phased unplugged-to-plugged progression to build girls' CT confidence before introducing digital tools

Key Sources¶

• Computational Thinking Boosters: Algorithmic Thinking 3-8. (2021). Presentation dated Jan. 12, 2021, supported by NSF grant award #1923314. https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1923314