2nd GRADE
​LESSON 2:  PROGRAMMING IN MAZE

LESSON MISSION

​1.)  I can express movement as a series of commands.

2.)  I can order movement commands as sequential
      steps in a program.

3.)  I can represent an algorithm as a computer
      program.

4.)  I can count the number of times an action should
      be executed and represent it as instructions in a
      program.

LESSON INTRODUCTION

How many of you are familiar with the video game or movie, Angry Birds? 
  • Today you will be writing programs to help Red, from Angry Birds to locate the Pig.
  • Getting the bird to the pig will require you putting your directions in a very specific order or sequence.
  • The goal will be to solve the puzzles using the fewest blocks possible.

TOOL BOX

Picture
Look under the toolbox for important terms.
algorithm:  a list of steps to finish a task

bug:  part of a program that does not work correctly

debugging: finding and fixing problems in an algorithm or program

sequencing: putting commands in correct order so computers can read the commands

programming:  piecing together instructions in a specific order using something a machine can read
INTRODUCTION VIDEO
We will begin by watching a video about coding in maze.  Follow the instructions below:
  1. Click on your class icon below to go to your Code.org Classroom.  
  2. Put in your password.  
  3. Click on Lesson 2:  Programming In Maze  
  4. Put on your headphones and watch the video.  
  5. When you have finished, put your headphones back on the hook and wait quietly until your classmates have finished.
  6. DO NOT GO ON TO THE ACTIVITY UNTIL I TELL YOU TO!
BEFORE THE ACTIVITY DEMONSTRATION
Modeling the Activity
  • Now, I am going to demonstrate how to program.  I will pretend to be a student doing the program.  I will talk about what I am thinking and express the strategies I am using to deal with my frustrations.  I want everyone to watch the screen and listen as I model this for you.  Do not start the activity yourself until I tell you too.
  • Remember, we have been working on "really listening" and not "waiting to talk."  It is very important that you watch and listen so you are not frustrated later.  Save all questions until after the demonstration.
After the demonstration, we will recall what we learned in Lesson 1.
  • Recall Lesson 1, Building a Foundation.  What was so frustrating about that lesson? 
  • What did you do when you became frustrated in Lesson 1?
  • How did that help to solve a problem?
Using What You Learned
  • What made the Angry Birds Puzzle difficult?
  • What can you do if you become frustrated?

LESSON ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY INSTRUCTIONS
Now it is your turn to do the activity.  When I tell you to, you will follow my instructions to begin the programming activity.  Remember, you will be using the Debugging Process and Pair Programming during the activity.  Let's go over these things one more time before you begin.  
The Debugging Process
Remember, one of the activities you will be required to do is to figure out what coding is incorrect or not needed. To do this, you will need to use the Debugging Process.
  • 1.)  Describe the problem that you are seeing.
  • 2.) Ask yourself -  "What is it supposed to do?"
  • 3.) Ask yourself - "What does it do?"
  • 4.) Ask yourself - "What does that tell me?"
Remember that frustration is part of learning.  Frustration means you are about to learn something and your persistence will pay off!  
PAIR PROGRAMMING
If you run into something that is very challenging or have a question, you will use the Pair Programming Strategy that you learned about in the video.
How Pair Programming Works
  • Remember, in Pair Programming, you are still doing your own work.  
  • When you experience a challenge use the debugging process.
  • If you still have problems or questions, ask your partner to help you.
  • If your partner doesn't know how to help you, the two of you can ask another pair.
The Right Way to Help Classmates
  • Remember, when you help someone, you are not doing it for them.
  • Don't sit in the classmate's chair.
  • Don't use the classmate's keyboard.
  • Don't touch the classmate's mouse.
  • Make sure the classmate can repeat the solution to you out loud.
A Beforehand Tip
  • ​It is very important that when you are doing this activity, that you are thinking of things from the Bird's point of view.  If it helps you can stand up and do the movements yourself.  
Your Turn
  • Now it is your turn.  Click the continue button on your video to go to the maze program.
  • Remember, do your best and try not to get frustrated.  
  • Talk with your neighbor before you program about what you plan to do.  
  • Do they agree with you?  Why or why not?  
  • Did what they have to say change the commands you gave?
  • Remember to use strategies to help deal with frustration so that you can be persistent.
  • ​You Can Begin!  I have the icons embedded below in case you closed out before.

REFLECTION

Congratulations!  You finished the Programming in Maze Activity and accomplished today's mission.  Now, you need to reflect on what you learned.  Below you will see, The Coding Chronicles.  The Coding Chronicles are online reflections of what you have learned.  The questions in the Chronicles will guide your through the reflection process.  When you have finished, click submit and log off of your computer.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

CONGRATULATIONS!

Coding Lesson 2:  Coding in Maze is complete.
​
​You have accomplished your mission!

LESSON RESOURCES

​This lesson was created using the following resources.
Code.org
​Studio.code.org. (2017). Code.org. [online] Available at: https://studio.code.org/s/coursec [Accessed 20 Nov. 2017].

AL STATE TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS

The following Alabama State Technology Standards were addressed in this lesson:

​2nd Grade Computational Thinker:

Abstraction
  • Standard 1:  Create and sort information into useful order using digital tools.  Examples: Sort data spreadsheets A-Z, simple filters, and tables.
Algorithms
  • Standard 2:  Create an algorithm for other learners to follow.
    Examples: Unplugged coding, illustrate sequence of a process such as making a sandwich.
Programming and Development
  • Standard 3:  Construct elements of a simple computer program using basic commands. Examples: Online drag-and-drop programming, basic robotics. ​