Unit 3 — Coding Module 3
Description
Students deepen coding skills using CodeSpark, exploring algorithms, debugging, loops, decomposition, events, conditionals, stacks, queues, pair programming, and game design.
Essential Questions
- What is a computer? What are examples of computers? How do these computers know what to do?
- What are errors that need to be solved in our classroom? What are ways we can fix these errors?
- Why is learning computer programming important?
- What are tasks or problems in our lives that we can decompose?
- What happens when I ask a question and create an event?
- What keyword starts a conditional?
- What are examples of stacks in the real world?
- What are examples of queues in the real world?
- How can we work together in collaborative teams when programming?
- What kind of game do you want to make?
Learning Objectives
- Define and utilize computer science vocabulary
- Create an algorithm
- Debug - find and fix errors in a program, use trial and error to solve a problem
- Use a loop when a sequence of commands repeat and recognize loops in the world around me
- Decompose a problem by breaking it down into smaller problems and use decomposition to solve a problem
- Sequence commands to solve a problem and understand the concept of efficiency
- Understand events cause things to happen
- Understand a programmer can use IF statements to make actions happen under certain conditions and use IF statements to make programs more dynamic and efficient
- Understand that data is stored and organized, stacks have elements that can be added and removed from the top, and a queue has a front and a back
- Work with peers to solve problems and program on CodeSpark
- Use game design strategies to create my own game
Supplemental Resources
- CodeSpark
- Code.org
- Botlogic
- Kodable
- Tynker
- Scratch
- Game Design Strategies Video - https://youtu.be/RM04n0-QtNo
- CodeSpark Glossary - https://dashboard.codespark.com/dashboard/lessons/plans/glossary
No core standards aligned for this unit.
Students engage in critique of writing and open-ended writing responses. Students participate in discussions with guest speakers, read and analyze current events in relation to class topics, and develop research and presentation skills using appropriate academic vocabulary.
Students analyze and explain events using a variety of sources as they relate to class discussions and research. Students examine how specific time periods and current events influence culture, society, and technology development.
Students create projects that demonstrate well-structured design, thematic intent, and appropriate elements for their purpose.
Students learn to research, acquire, and present information using appropriate internet etiquette standards and a variety of digital tools including websites, databases, and Google applications for research and multimedia presentations.
Formative Assessments
- Student progress monitored via CodeSpark teacher dashboard
Summative Assessment
Successfully completing all activities on CodeSpark demonstrating understanding of algorithms, debugging, loops, decomposition, sequencing, events, IF statements, stacks, queues, and game design
Benchmark Assessment
A task requiring students to write or diagram an algorithm to solve a simple problem, then identify and correct at least two errors in a provided program using debugging strategies. This assesses understanding of algorithmic thinking, sequencing, and error correction across the unit's core concepts.
Alternative Assessment
Successfully defining and utilizing computer science vocabulary
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
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Section 504
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ELL / MLL
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At Risk (RTI)
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Gifted & Talented
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