Understand what algorithms are

Concepts and Approaches

Click on the icons below to learn about the important computer science concepts you should understand for this topic:

Activities that are great to get you started:

These activities develop pupils understanding of algorithms. Pupils create sequence based or rule based algorithms for a range of simple tasks such as how to draw a character, share some sweets or work out some spelling rules.

Crazy Character Algorithms

Age:: 5-7 years
Concepts / Approaches:: Logic, Decomposition, Debugging, Algorithms
Curriculum Links:: Art, computing, English

Pupils will create a set of instructions on how to draw a crazy character and so start to understand what algorithms are..

The Crazy Character Algorithms has been rated 5 stars

Spelling Rules Algorithms

Age:: 5-7 years (although can be adapted for other years)
Concepts / Approaches:: Patterns, Algorithms, Logic
Curriculum Links:: English

A short, unplugged spelling activity in which pupils explore spelling rules. They start to understand what algorithms are, and use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple algorithms..

The Spelling Rules Algorithms has been rated 5 stars

Sharing Sweets Algorithms

Age:: 5-7 years (can also be adapted)
Concepts / Approaches:: Patterns, Algorithms
Curriculum Links:: Maths

A short, unplugged activity in which your pupils work out a simple set of instructions (algorithm) on how to share sweets, and adapt the instructions for differing amounts of friends. In so doing, they are using pattern to create a general rule for sharing..