Algorithms in Programs

👩‍🏫 Teacher’s Guide

Objective
Students will define an algorithm as a step-by-step plan and identify that programs use algorithms to solve problems efficiently.

Teaching Notes

• Use everyday algorithms: making a sandwich, brushing teeth, lining up.
• Explain that an algorithm must be clear, ordered, and repeatable.
• Introduce the idea of efficiency: fewer steps can be better.
• Connect to coding: algorithms become code instructions.

🧒 Student Worksheet

Concept and Helping Material

An algorithm is a step-by-step plan to solve a problem. Programs use algorithms to decide what steps to take. Good algorithms are clear and can be repeated to get the same result.

Computer Vocabulary and Definition

• — A step-by-step plan to solve a problem.
• — Steps in a specific order.
• — Doing a task with fewer steps or less time.
• — A set of steps for a task.
• — A diagram that shows steps and decisions.

Computer QA

1. What is an algorithm?
2. What does sequence mean?
3. What does efficiency mean?
4. What is a procedure?
5. What is a flowchart?
6. True or False: An algorithm must be in order.
7. Name an everyday algorithm.
8. Why do programs need algorithms?
9. What is one example of an algorithm in a game?
10. Can one problem have more than one algorithm?
11. Which is more efficient: 3 steps or 10 steps (same result)?
12. True or False: Algorithms always use computers.
13. What happens if steps are missing?
14. What tool can show an algorithm as a diagram?
15. What is one example of a decision in an algorithm?
16. Do algorithms help solve problems?
17. Can algorithms be repeated?
18. What is one benefit of clear algorithms?
19. True or False: Code is based on algorithms.
20. What is one place you use algorithms online?

Computer Prtactices

• Write an algorithm: 6 steps to make a simple paper airplane.
• Flowchart practice: Draw a flowchart for ‘If hungry, eat; else, drink water.’
• Efficiency challenge: Improve a 10-step algorithm into 6 steps without changing the result.
• Algorithm test: Swap steps in your algorithm and see what breaks (discussion).

Reflection

• Why are algorithms important in programming?
• How can you make an algorithm better?