Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Computer Science Fundamentals Unit 5 Course D Lesson 1: Graph Paper Programming (2018)

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

3

Overview

By "programming" one another to draw pictures, students get an opportunity to experience some of the core concepts of programming in a fun and accessible way. The class will start by having students use symbols to instruct each other to color squares on graph paper in an effort to reproduce an existing picture. If there’s time, the lesson can conclude with images that the students create themselves.

The goal of this activity is to build critical-thinking skills and excitement for the course while introducing some of the fundamental programming concepts that will be used throughout the course. By introducing basic concepts like sequencing and algorithms to the class in an unplugged activity, students who are intimidated by computers can still build a foundation of understanding on these topics. In this lesson, students will learn how to develop an algorithm and encode it into a program.

Students will be able to:
- reframe a sequence of steps as an encoded program.
- explain the constraints of translating problems from human language to machine language.

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    Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 3

    DLCS18.3.1

    Use numbers or letters to represent information in another form.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:DLCS18.3.1

    Vocabulary

    • encryption
    • secret codes

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • techniques for understanding how to representing information in another way using numbers or letters.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • use letters or numbers to represent information in another form.
    • use a secret code to determine information represented in letters and/or numbers.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • numbers and/or letters can represent information in another way.
    Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 3

    DLCS18.3.2

    Analyze a given list of sub-problems while addressing a larger problem.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:DLCS18.3.2

    Vocabulary

    • sub-problem

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • strategies for analyzing sub-problems from a given list for a larger problem.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • analyze given lists of sub-problems while addressing a larger problem.
    • identify the sub-problems for a larger problem.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • larger problems have sub-problems.
    • it can be easier to solve a large problem if you identify smaller sub-problems to tackle or solve.
    Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 3

    DLCS18.3.5

    Create an algorithm to solve a problem as a collaborative team.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:DLCS18.3.5

    Vocabulary

    • algorithm
    • collaborative

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • an algorithm can be used to solve a problem or complete a task.
    • the steps in creating an algortihm as a collaborative team.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • work as a collaborative team to create a problem-solving algorithm.
    • list steps in solving a problem.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • algorithms are used to solve problems or complete a task in a step-by-step process.
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Lesson/Unit Plan

    Resource Provider

    Code.org
    Accessibility
    License

    License Type

    Custom
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