Introduction to Coding

The goal of this site is to introduce coding (computer science) to elementary/middle school students; to understand the importance of step sequencing, problem solving, and being creative. You will participate in a number of experiences that will allow you to engage in 1) explore coding and critical thinking without a computer 2) coding with an Angry Bird to identify the logical sequence to squish the pig then 3) code with text to make a Turtle move in all shapes and forms. Each component asks you to rate your level of problem solving and creativity, along with a few deep questions for reflection. Swipe to the left or click #2 on the navigation bar to begin.

Unplugged Coding Activity

In this unplugged activity, students will explore coding by being assigned shapes based on the image to the right. Students will then be asked to describe their picture so the rest of the class can duplicate the picture without seeing it, solely relying on verbal instructions. The student may not use gestures while giving the description. Afterwards, students will compare their drawings. Students will then reflect on the differences between their drawings and then repeat the task with a new student and picture. For more information on the lesson plan, click on the Microsoft Word icon.

Now lets move on to some visual coding! Swipe to the left or click #3 on the navigation bar to begin your next lesson.

Visual Coding

In this activity you will be using coding to complete an Angry Birds Maze Game. You will be using blocks and dragging them into a sequence in order to move your bird into position. After each step you can click on the “show code” button to see what the actual code looks like for each of the moves you have made.

Start by watching the introductory video which explains the activity. Once you have finished watching the video, click on the puzzle image to go to the activity. Please complete the activity through step 6 at a minimum. This will open the activity in a new browser window.

Next Steps:
Complete the Hour of Code Questionnaire

Click #4 on the slider navigation bar or swipe to the left to move on to the next lesson.

Coding with Text

Now you are ready to learn the basics of typing code! The Turtle Academy site contains fun lesson plans based on the LOGO programming language.

LOGO was created in 1967 which is almost 50 years ago! Learning LOGO is a great first step into coding with text as you can see the turtle move on the screen as you type your directions (Commands) into the text box. Click on the Turtle Academy link below to complete the Logo’s turtle lesson plans. The site will launch in a new window or tab.

Turtle Academy

For an in depth intro to Turtle Academy Logo, watch the Coding Basics With Turtle Academy Logo video by Martin Hodgson at Nerdsville.org.

Next Steps:
Click the #5 link on the slider navigation or swipe to the left to move on to completing your first assignment.

Your First Coding Assignment!

Now that you have been introduced to coding, practiced with visual coding and learned the basics of coding with text, you are ready for your first assignment!

Since we are just beginning, we will still be using Turtle Academy LOGO to complete this assignment. You will be coding your name (first or last, whichever is shorter) using LOGO without any on screen instructions. Once you code your name, you will then copy and paste the text from your coding screen into the Google form below so your teacher can check your work. There are a few instructions on the form on how to clean your code text before submitting.

Once you are done submitting your assignment, please complete the REFLECTION activity.

Reminder: Angle degrees will be important when spelling your name such as RIGHT 135, LEFT 45, RIGHT 45, etc....

Submit Assignment