The big ideaAn algorithm is a list of clear steps, in order, that gets a job done.
How it works
An algorithm is a list of clear steps, in order, that gets a job done.
Each step must be small enough for a robot to follow, with one clear job on each card.
If the order changes, the job may not get done.
We use algorithms every day: recipes, brushing teeth, the way to school, planting seeds.
🥞a recipe🧭directions🧼washing hands🌱planting a seed
Algorithms you use.
Example 1: Not clear enough
Maya says, make me a sandwich.
Bo does exactly what he heard, so the whole jar goes on the bread.
Make a sandwich is not enough for a robot.
Example 2: Small steps in order
Maya writes four cards: take two slices of bread, take the lid off the jam, spread jam on one slice, and press the slices together.
Bo follows them one at a time.
This time the sandwich is perfect.
Four cards, one clear job on each.
Example 3: Planting a seed
Dig a hole, drop in the seed, cover it with soil, water it, and wait and watch.
Each step is small, and the order matters.
The seed goes in before the soil goes on.
Example 4: The order matters
Press the slices together before spreading the jam, and there is no open slice to spread jam on.
If the order changes, the job may not get done.
Words to know
algorithm
A list of clear steps, in order, that gets a job done.
step
One small job in the list.
order
Which step comes first, next and last.
recipe
An algorithm that makes a dish.
Watch out
Saying it louder is not a fix. Bo heard fine, and he needs steps, not noise.
A step that is too big, like make a sandwich, is not clear for a robot.
If the order changes, the job may not get done.
A thing, like a hat, a cloud or a pile of toys, is not an algorithm. An algorithm is a list of steps.
Try it
Is a pile of toys an algorithm?
In planting a seed (dig, drop, cover, water), what comes last?
Is the way to school an algorithm?
Which is better for Bo: make a sandwich, or four small cards in order?
Answers: 1. No · 2. Wait and watch · 3. Yes · 4. Four small cards in order
Try at homeChoose a small job, like washing hands or making a bowl of cereal. Write one clear step on each card, then put the cards in order. Ask a grown-up to follow your cards exactly, like a robot. If they get stuck, a step is unclear. Fix the card and try again!
For grown-upsPlay the Mission: choose a small job like washing hands or making a bowl of cereal. Your child writes one clear step on each card and puts the cards in order, and you follow them exactly, like a robot. If you get stuck, a step is unclear, so fix the card and try again.
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