Lesson Overview
Using the Maze environment, students write programs using conditionals.
Teaching Summary
Getting Started
Activity: Maze: Conditionals
Extended Learning
Lesson Objectives
Students will:
- Compare properties and values using >, =, < symbols
- Translate spoken language conditional statements into a program
- Execute an algorithm with a conditional statement
- Use conditional statements to make logic-based choices
- Nest conditionals to analyze multiple value conditions using if, else if, else logic
- Write functions that execute nested conditionals
Getting Started
Introduction
Similar to the last previous conditionals stage, only this time we're helping the zombie reach the sunflower.
Activity
Maze: Conditionals
The conditionals in this stage pertain to whether or not there is a path available to the right, left, or ahead. If there is chomper in the way, the conditional will report that there is no path available in that direction.
Extended Learning
Use these activities to enhance student learning. They can be used as outside of class activities or other enrichment.
True/False Tag
- Line students up as if to play Red Light / Green Light.
- Select one person to stand in front as the Caller.
- The Caller chooses a condition and asks everyone who meets that condition to take a step forward.
- If you have a red belt, step forward.
- If you are wearing sandals, take a step forward.
- Try switching it up by saying things like "If you are not blonde, step forward."
Nesting
- Break students up into pairs or small groups.
- Have them write if statements for playing cards on strips of paper, such as:
- If the suit is clubs
- If the color is red
- Have students create similar strips for outcomes.
- Add one point
- Subtract one point
- Once that's done, have students choose three of each type of strip and three playing cards, paying attention to the order selected.
- Using three pieces of paper, have students write three different programs using only the sets of strips that they selected, in any order.
- Encourage students to put some if statements inside other if statements.
- Now, students should run through all three programs using the cards that they drew, in the same order for each program.
- Did any two programs return the same answer?
- Did any return something different?
Connections and Background Information
PARCC / Smarter Balanced Assessment Skills
- Click / tap
- Drag and drop
- Select and drag / slide
- Select object
- Use video player
ISTE Standards (formerly NETS)
- 1.a - Apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.
- 1.c - Use models and simulation to explore complex systems and issues.
- 4.b - Plan and manage activities to develop a solution or complete a project.
- 6.a - Understand and use technology systems.
- 6.c - Troubleshoot systems and applications.
- 6.d - Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.
CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards
- CL.L1:3-02. Work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers teachers, and others using technology.
- CT.L1:3-01. Use technology resources (e.g., puzzles, logical thinking programs) to solve age appropriate problems.
- CT.L1:6-01. Understand and use the basic steps in algorithmic problem-solving.
- CPP.L1:6-05. Construct a program as a set of step-by-step instructions to be acted out.
- CPP.L1:6-06. Implement problem solutions using a block-based visual programming language.
- CT.L2-01. Use the basic steps in algorithmic problem solving to design solutions.
- CT.L2-06. Describe and analyze a sequence of instructions being followed.
- CT.L2-07. Represent data in a variety of ways: text, sounds, pictures, numbers.
- CT.L2-08. Use visual representations of problem states, structures, and data.
- CT.L2-12. Use abstraction to decompose a problem into sub problems.
- CT.L2-14. Examine connections between elements of mathematics and computer science including binary numbers, logic, sets, and functions.
- CT.L3A-03. Explain how sequence, selection, iteration, and recursion are building blocks of algorithms.
Next-Gen Science Standards
- 3-5-ETS1-2. Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
Common Core Mathematical Practices
- 1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
- 2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
- 4. Model with mathematics
- 5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
- 6. Attend to precision.
- 7. Look for and make use of structure.
- 8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Common Core Math Standards
- 3.OA.3 - Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities.
- 4.NBT.B.4 - Fluently add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.
- 5.NBT.B.5 - Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.
Common Core Language Arts Standards
- L.3.6 - Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate conversational, general academic, and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal spatial and temporal relationships.
- L.4.6 - Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal precise actions, emotions, or states of being and that are basic to a particular topic.
- L.5.6 - Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal contrast, addition, and other logical relationships.
