This is a list of basic vocabulary with definitions and/or examples that will be used in elementary classrooms K-5 when teaching the concepts of algorithms and programming. 

Events in computer science are the triggers for making action happen, like selecting the play button on any screen. Events in Scratch Jr. are represented by the yellow codes including: the green flag, clicking on a character, bump code and envelopes. The envelopes are the most advanced concept in Scratch Jr. and help with scene transitions and interactions between characters like pacing their conversations.

Set students up for programming success by creating a BeeBot anchor chart!These editable instructions will help students identify their role as planner or driver and set clear expectations of how Bee-Bot is used in computer programming. Tips:Introduce Bee-Bot whole classMake sure students understand the importance of the clear (x) button to erase the previous codealways press clear first to signal a new code (like how a capital letter signals the start of a new sentence) Plan the program in developmentally appropriate steps (some students program one step at a time, while others can program to the end goal)Turn the Bee-Bot off and use it as a game piece to write successful algorithmsHave students write their plan, or algorithm, on a whiteboard instead of using the cardsThe Bee-Bot emulator is perfect for guided practice!   

During this lesson, your students will be introduced to some foundational computer science concepts of sequence, pattern recognition, loops and procedures. Unplugged activities are a way to reinforce CS concepts that are introduced in coding apps and puzzle games like LightBot, Code.org, Kodable, etc.

Students become authors as they use technology to create an ebook to share with their classmates. Students chose the life cycle of a flowering plant, frog, or butterfly. They review with hands-on resources and peer collaboration. They then use their ipad with the app “Book Creator” to create a book using real life pictures!

Students will use the Makey Makey board to create an interactive poster using weather images, recordings and/or text to display their knowledge of weather. They will use conductive materials to create conductive touchpoints.

In this lesson, students will learn about alphabetical order and how it is used in the library. Students will practice putting call numbers in alphabetical order while coding a Bee Bot to visit each call number in order. 

This activity will get your students out of their seats! They will be actively engaged with their classmates to solve the puzzle as well as navigate the sphero mini robot around on the rug! This lesson will have everyone singing about the continents way after the unit is complete!

This resource is a 7-slide presentation detailing 5 goals students should have in mind when creating an algorithm. This guide targets younger learners in primary grades. It is available as a PowerPoint and a PDF.5 goals when trying to write an algorithm.● Defining the problem clearly● Breaking the problem down into small, simple parts● Define the solution for each part of the problem● Implementing the solution● Making it efficient (eventually)

This is an exploratory lesson over two days to allow students to code a Dash Robot to explore the principles of force on objects in an obstacle course.

 The lesson is designed to build a classroom transformation theme while integrating computer science SOLs into the core curriculum.  These lessons introduce students to basic algorithms and programming vocabulary they would use every day.  The lessons show how easy it is to integrate computer science with a multidisciplinary approach.  The engaging theme of a snow day allows the students to use real-world situations to learn the necessary standards.  “Snow Day!” is a one-day classroom transformation that integrates all of the content areas with computer science.  Students learn new vocabulary from interaction with prior experiences.  By the middle of first grade, they already know how to retell a story in the correct sequence, plan and write sentences, add and subtract, and cut shapes.  They also already know that snow melts.  They will learn simple computer science vocabulary such as algorithm, loop, and debug. 

The students will model the water cycle by pretending to be a water molecule and simulating the movement of water through the water cycle.  They will diagram and label the steps of the water cycle to demonstrate an understanding of algorithms by following the stages of the water cycle.

The student will write a step by step list and begin to practice/understand sequencing and order of events.