Grab your pencil and get ready for this hands-on project that teaches kids the fundamentals of coding. In fact, this coding project doesn't even require a computer! This unplugged activity helps students understand coding in its most basic form. Not only will your students begin to think about coding in this technology-reliant world, but there are several other benefits to learning how to code. Continue reading to learn how to complete this simple coding project with your students.
What is Coding?
Coding is the act of writing technical language that communicates to computers. Almost all technology exists due to some level of underlying code. The most basic level of code is made up of numbers that machines can "read" to execute certain tasks. In this project, we are breaking down the same coding process that programmers use into a very simple form. In fact, we will not be using a computer at all in this project! Learn more about coding basics here.
Why is Coding so Important?
Educators and administrations are embracing coding as part of their classroom curricula not only because of our culture's reliance on the technology but also for the skills it develops. Besides its relevance to modern culture, the list of benefits of teaching young kids to code is substantial. Teaching young kids to code:
- Improves logical and structural thinking skills
- Encourages persistence and problem-solving
- Develops stronger digital literacy
- Promotes creativity
- Enhances communication skills
What You'll Need
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- Graph paper or whiteboard (create your own or print some if you don't have any graph paper on hand)
- Plain paper or notecards
- Writing utensil
Instructions:
- Pass out graph paper or whiteboards. Either draw or create a 4x4 box for students to work in.
- Pair up. This project can be done in groups, in pairs, or as a whole class. For this example, we will be using pairs.
- Create a pattern. Mark a star in the top left corner of your 4x4 grid. This is the starting point for the code. Have each student color in four random boxes inside their 4x4 grid on their graph paper/whiteboard, excluding the box with the star.
- Create the code. Determine what your class's coding symbols will be made of. The simplest symbols to use are arrows to indicate a direction and a symbol to indicate the colored square, such as a square or "X". Referencing their 4x4 grid design, each student will then write down the symbols that represent their design onto on a notecard or separate piece of paper, beginning at the star and moving left to right, top to bottom. Each student is trying to write down their code so their design can be recreated.
- Recreate it. Pairs of students trade their written code (not their grid drawing) with one another. Can each student recreate the original design using just the code?
- Do they match? Have the student double-check that their second design (draw from the code) matches the other student's original design. If it doesn't, what went wrong? Was there an issue with the code or following it?
- Get creative! Repeat this project with new designs and codes, but if your students are getting the hang of it, have them start creating more elaborate designs. They can even have a little fun with it by creating pictures or shapes!
ADVANCED VERSION: Create a large design using graph paper and see if your students can create the code for it themselves!
The STEAM Museum is another fantastic resource for educators looking for engaging ways to teach their students coding skills. The STEAM Museum transforms your gym into a hands-on museum that teaches Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM). This assembly is a teacher favorite because it educates students while meeting them at their level, through hands-on play and exploration.
Project inspired by Code.org.