ALEX Learning Activity

This is an unplugged activity to teach basic algorithms.  As a class - read books and discuss the steps that should be taken to plant a seed. Students will use a worksheet from code.org with pictures of various steps necessary for planting a seed.  Finally, groups exchange completed algorithms and follow the sequence to plant a seed.

This activity was created as a result of the DLCS COS Resource Development Summit.

The students will be able to identify the order of events related to a specific task.

The students will recognize that following a specific sequence of events is necessary.

The students will problem solve if an event is out of sequence.

The teacher should choose a book about planting seeds to read aloud to the class.  This can be done a couple of days before or the day of the learning activity.  Based on the structure of the individual teachers class it may be done in a whole group or in small groups. 

After reading the book, the teacher should lead a discussion about the steps involved in planting a seed:  add soil to a pot, poke a hole in the soil, add the seed to the soil, cover the seed, add water, place pot in sunlight.

Distribute the Real-Life Algorithms: Plant a Seed worksheet (one per student or one per group of students).

The students will observe the set of pictures closely, cut them apart, and glue them into the correct sequence onto another sheet of paper. 

Students will then exchange their picture sequences with a partner or another group to check for accuracy. 

Once all sequence charts have been identified to be in the correct sequence, the students will use their sequence charts to plant an actual seed. 

If a group identifies an error in the sequence, they will return it to the group to correct.

Teacher observation of students working to identify the correct sequence of events.

Students should be assessed on the correct sequence of events from the sequence cards: Real Life Algorithms:  Plant a Seed worksheet.

Real Life Algorithms: Plant a Seed worksheet Answer Key

Discussion with individuals or partners to determine if any of the groups or partners discovered an error in the sequence they were to follow.  How did they solve the problem?

As the plants are cared for and continue to grow additional conversations might take place such as, "What might happen if they were not watered? What if they were not in a bright spot?"  Additional books may be read during this time to prompt discussion.

Collect short books about planting seeds.

Suggestions:

• The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle

• The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

• Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

Prepare paper copies of sequence pictures one per student or one per group.

Supplies for planting activity:

• paper or styrofoam cups (or any plant container)
• soil 
• seeds (small flower seeds or grass seeds work well) 
• water

For additional information, the teacher may visit code.org and view: Real Life Algorithms:  Plant a Seed

This can be done with just the paper activity if you choose.

You can use the Real Life Algorithms:  Plant a Seed Assessment for additional practice.

Real Life Algorithms:  Plant a Seed Assessment Answer Key.

Have students cut and glue pictures into the correct sequence for other tasks (making a sandwich, baking a cake, building a fort etc.)