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 critique writing and engage in open-ended writing responses to analyze coding concepts, current events, and guest speaker perspectives. Students communicate effectively about algorithms, conditionals, and program design through written and oral presentations.
Students examine how technology and computing innovations have impacted society, culture, and civilizations. Career readiness practices are integrated throughout instruction as students explore technology career pathways and discuss the role of coding in addressing real-world problems and climate change.
Students apply mathematical reasoning and logical thinking to solve problems through algorithms, loops, and conditionals. Problem decomposition requires breaking complex tasks into smaller manageable parts, building on algebraic and computational thinking skills.
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
Midpoint coding proficiency benchmark: Students demonstrate mastery of algorithms, loops, decomposition, conditionals, and data structures (stacks/queues) through a comprehensive CodeSpark challenge.
Alternative Assessment
Successfully defining and utilizing computer science vocabulary
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
Provide visual supports and CodeSpark Glossary for vocabulary. Allow extended time. Use assistive technology per IEP. Break complex tasks into smaller steps. Provide guided practice before independent work on CodeSpark.
Section 504
Preferential seating. Extended time. Frequent breaks during coding sessions. Access to assistive devices per 504 plan. Chunked instructions for multi-step coding activities.
ELL / MLL
Provide CodeSpark Glossary with visual supports. Use bilingual vocabulary references. Pair with language partner for pair programming activities. Use visual demonstrations before coding tasks.
At Risk (RTI)
Partner with peers during pair programming. Teacher monitors progress on CodeSpark dashboard and provides targeted support. Allow additional time and repetition. Provide scaffolded challenges building from simpler to more complex tasks.
Gifted & Talented
Allow advanced game design projects on CodeSpark with additional features. Provide access to Scratch for more complex programming. Offer independent exploration of advanced conditionals and data structures. Encourage peer mentoring during pair programming.