Unit 4 — Coding Module 4
Description
Students compare and refine algorithms, create programs with variables, loops, sequences, events, and conditionals, and explore iterative program development. Real-world and unplugged activities support conceptual understanding.
Essential Questions
- How can different algorithms yield the same result? How can we determine which algorithm is the best option?
- What are loops, and how do they apply to programming?
- How can we look at a program and determine its different elements? How do we break a program into smaller parts?
- Why do individuals develop programs?
- What is the process necessary to create a functional program? What steps need to be followed to create working code?
Learning Objectives
- Understand the meaning of algorithms
- Create simple algorithms to solve puzzles and complete tasks within a designated coding application
- Create loops by revising algorithms in order to make them more efficient
- Analyze algorithms and determine which is the most efficient and effective to solve a particular task
- Understand the meaning of loops and their application in coding
- Create for loops within the coding application chosen by their teacher
- Discuss how evolving technologies have benefitted the world due to the impact of coding
- Explain how communities use data and technology to develop measures in response to effects of climate change
- Compare and refine multiple algorithms for the same task and determine which is the most appropriate
- Create programs that use clearly named variables to store and modify data
- Create programs that include sequences, events, loops, and conditionals
- Break down problems into smaller, manageable sub-problems to facilitate program development
- Modify, remix, or incorporate pieces of existing programs into one's own work to add additional features or create a new program
- Develop programs using an iterative process, implement the program design, and test the program to ensure it works as intended
- Identify computing technologies that have impacted how individuals live and work and describe the factors that influenced the changes
Supplemental Resources
- CodeSpark - iPad App
- Code.org
- Unplugged Coding Activities from Kodable
- Teaching Algorithms with Origami
- Loops Unplugged (Jumping Jack Activity)
- District Robots
No core standards aligned for this unit.
Students critique writing through open-ended writing responses and engage with current art events and guest speakers. Students develop written arguments and informative texts to support claims with relevant evidence and organize ideas using text structures. Students present claims and findings in focused, coherent manner with appropriate evidence and integrate multimedia displays into presentations.
Students analyze and explain events as related to class discussions, readings, and research papers. Students examine how specific time periods affect and influence culture, society, and civilizations. Current events are integrated throughout the course to connect coding and technology to real-world applications.
Formative Assessments
- Teacher surveys, short quizzes and responses
- Teacher observation, questioning, anecdotal notes
- Programming pre-assessment to gauge students' current understanding
Summative Assessment
Student work on various coding platforms evaluated through teacher dashboard/data provided through that application
Benchmark Assessment
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Alternative Assessment
Students may demonstrate understanding through verbal explanation of their algorithm steps while the teacher records responses, or by arranging physical cards or manipulatives to show sequence and loops rather than typing code. Visual flowcharts or block diagrams may be used alongside or instead of written code to show understanding of conditionals and loops.
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
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Section 504
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ELL / MLL
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At Risk (RTI)
Struggling students may be partnered with others in order to work collaboratively for greater success. Teacher can pull small groups of students having difficulty to work more closely and explain in greater detail.
Gifted & Talented
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