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Steps in Order

First graders learn that an algorithm is just a list of steps in the right order — like a recipe — the very first big idea of computer science.

Grade 1Algorithms30 minutes1 class periodUse → Modify → CreateExplicit teaching4 StandardsCSTA
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Lesson at a Glance

Everything you need before the bell rings

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to…

  • ✓Explain an algorithm.
  • ✓Put steps in order.
  • ✓See order matters.
  • ✓Think like a coder.
Essential Question

A recipe is a list of steps in order! Computers follow steps in order too. That’s called an algorithm. What order do the steps go in?

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Lesson Phases
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Vocabulary Terms
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Standards Aligned
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Interactive Task
Put in Order · Interactive

Order the Cereal Steps

Project this and have children put the steps of making cereal in order.

🥣 Put the cereal steps in order!Try it
Tap the first step!
The Lesson · Use → Modify → Create (a coding progression with Unplugged practice)

30 minutes, five moves

Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.

1

Hook — A Recipe of Steps

4 min

A recipe is steps in order — computers use them too. What order?

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Show steps mixed up.
  • Ask what’s wrong.
  • Get ready.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Look.
  • Notice.
  • Get ready.
2

Unplugged — Unplug It

8 min

Children practice.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Act out cereal steps.
  • Try them mixed up.
  • Feel the difference.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Order it.
  • Mix it.
  • Feel it.
3

Use — Order the Steps

9 min

Children use.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Send children to Order the Cereal Steps.
  • Put them in order.
  • Say each one.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Order them.
  • Say them.
  • Explain.
4

Modify — Fix It

6 min

Children modify.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Fix a mixed-up recipe.
  • Explain the right order.
  • Say why.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Fix it.
  • Explain.
  • Say why.
5

Create — Create

3 min

Children conclude.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Say what an algorithm is.
  • Say the first step.
  • Complete the exit ticket.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Say it.
  • Say it.
  • Complete the exit ticket.
Standards Alignment

Built to the standards you report on

Aligned to the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards and ISTE Standards for Students.

CSTA
1A-AP-08

Model an algorithm as steps.

CSTA
1A-AP-10

Follow a sequence.

CSTA
1A-AP-11

Break a task into steps.

ISTE
5

Computational Thinker.

Differentiation

One lesson, every learner

Multilingual Learners

ELL / EMERGING READERS
  • Step picture cards.
  • Sentence frame: “First ___, then ___.”
  • Act out steps.

Support & Access

IEP / 504
  • Start with two steps.
  • Order two at a time.
  • Use pictures.

Stretch & Extend

GIFTED / EARLY FINISHERS
  • Order a longer recipe.
  • Explain a wrong order.
  • Make a new algorithm.
Materials

What to gather

  • 📽️Screen / board
  • 🖼️Step cards
  • 💻Order the Cereal Steps
  • 🥣Pretend food
  • 🖍️Crayons
  • 🎫Exit-ticket slips
Vocabulary

Key terms — hover for a quick definition

algorithmsteps in orderstepone thing to doorderthe right positionrecipesteps for cookingfirstthe beginningnextwhat comes afterlastthe endingcodesteps for a computer
Evaluate

Exit Ticket

Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.

QUESTION 1
What is an algorithm?
A list of steps in the right order.
QUESTION 2
What is a good FIRST step for making cereal?
Get a bowl.
QUESTION 3
Why does order matter?
If steps are mixed up, it won’t work right.

Create: an algorithm.

Have children make an algorithm — steps in order — for a task at home, like getting ready for bed. A printable steps sheet is in the Computer Science library.

Study · Flashcards

Study the key terms

Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.

🃏 Steps in OrderFlip
Card 1
Term
Tap to flip →
Meaning
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Nice work!

Practice · Quiz

Check your understanding

A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.

📝 Steps in OrderQuiz
Score: 0
1 / 6
Question 1
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Nice work!

Practice · Worksheet

Printable worksheet

A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.

🖨️ Steps in OrderPrint
Name: ________________________
Date: ____________

Part A · Write the word that matches each meaning

Word bank: algorithm, code, first, last, next, order, recipe, step
  1. steps in order
  2. the right position
  3. the ending
  4. what comes after
  5. the beginning
  6. one thing to do
  7. steps for a computer
  8. steps for cooking

Part B · Show what you learned

  1. What is an algorithm?
  2. What is a good FIRST step for making cereal?
  3. Why does order matter?
Answer key — Part A: 1) algorithm · 2) order · 3) last · 4) next · 5) first · 6) step · 7) code · 8) recipe
Part B: 1) A list of steps in the right order. 2) Get a bowl. 3) If steps are mixed up, it won’t work right.