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Algorithms: Best Path

Fourth graders learn that an algorithm is a clear set of steps to solve a problem — and that some algorithms are better than others. If two paths reach the goal, the one with fewer steps is more efficient. They test the idea, then find the best path on a grid.

Grade 4Algorithms: Find the Best Path45 minutes1 class periodCSTA / ISTEExplicit teaching4 StandardsCSTA
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Lesson at a Glance

Everything you need before the bell rings

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to…

  • ✓Define an algorithm.
  • ✓Compare two paths.
  • ✓Pick the most efficient one.
  • ✓Plan the best path.
Essential Question

What makes one set of steps better than another?

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Lesson Phases
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Vocabulary Terms
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Standards Aligned
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Interactive Task
Check It · Interactive

What Makes a Good Algorithm?

Project each item and have students answer about algorithms.

🧭 Understand algorithms and efficiencyTry it
Answer each question about algorithms.
The Lesson · Use → Modify → Create (a coding progression with Unplugged practice)

45 minutes, five moves

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

1

Hook — Two Ways There

5 min

Which path to the door is shorter?

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Show two paths on a grid.
  • Ask which is better.
  • Set the goal.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Look.
  • Guess.
  • Get ready.
2

Use — Algorithms

10 min

Students use the idea.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Send students to What Makes a Good Algorithm?
  • Note steps & efficiency.
  • Count steps on each path.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Answer.
  • Note it.
  • Count.
3

Modify — Shorten It

12 min

Students modify.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Find a path with fewer steps.
  • Remove a wasted move.
  • Compare the two.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Find.
  • Remove.
  • Compare.
4

Create — Plan a Path

12 min

Students create.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Pick a start and a goal.
  • Write the fewest steps.
  • Count them.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Pick.
  • Write.
  • Count.
5

Reflect — Reflect

6 min

Students close.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Say what an algorithm is.
  • Say why fewer steps is better.
  • Complete the exit ticket.

🎒 Student Actions

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

Built to the standards you report on

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

CSTA
1B-AP-08

Compare and refine multiple algorithms for the same task.

CSTA
1B-AP-10

Create programs with sequences, events & loops.

CSTA
1B-AP-11

Decompose a problem into smaller parts.

ISTE
5 Computational Thinker

Plan and compare algorithms.

Differentiation

One lesson, every learner

Multilingual Learners

ELL / EMERGING READERS
  • Walk the path on a floor grid.
  • Frame: “fewer steps is better.”
  • Count moves aloud.

Support & Access

IEP / 504
  • Compare two short paths.
  • Count steps together.
  • Use a small grid.

Stretch & Extend

GIFTED / EARLY FINISHERS
  • Find the shortest of 3 paths.
  • Add an obstacle.
  • Explain why it is shortest.
Materials

What to gather

  • 📽️Screen / board
  • 🧭Grid maps
  • 💻What Makes a Good Algorithm?
  • 🐾Step counters
  • 📓Notebooks
  • 🎫Exit-ticket slips
Vocabulary

Key terms — hover for a quick definition

algorithma clear set of steps to solve a problemstepone instructionpatha route to the goalefficientuses the fewest stepscomparelook at two options side by sideshortestthe fewest stepsplandecide the steps ahead of timegoalwhat you are trying to reach
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 clear set of steps to solve a problem.
QUESTION 2
Which algorithm is better if both reach the goal?
The one with fewer steps.
QUESTION 3
Why do we want efficient algorithms?
They save time and effort.

Reflect: algorithms & best path.

Have students plan the fewest steps from a start to a goal. A printable algorithms worksheet 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.

🃏 CS Algorithms Find the Best Path (Grade 4)Flip
Card 1
Term
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Meaning
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Practice · Quiz

Check your understanding

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

📝 CS Algorithms Find the Best Path (Grade 4)Quiz
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Question 1
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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.

🖨️ CS Algorithms Find the Best Path (Grade 4)Print
Name: ________________________
Date: ____________

Part A · Write the word that matches each meaning

Word bank: algorithm, compare, efficient, goal, path, plan, shortest, step
  1. the fewest steps
  2. decide the steps ahead of time
  3. a clear set of steps to solve a problem
  4. a route to the goal
  5. what you are trying to reach
  6. look at two options side by side
  7. uses the fewest steps
  8. one instruction

Part B · Show what you learned

  1. What is an algorithm?
  2. Which algorithm is better if both reach the goal?
  3. Why do we want efficient algorithms?
Answer key — Part A: 1) shortest · 2) plan · 3) algorithm · 4) path · 5) goal · 6) compare · 7) efficient · 8) step
Part B: 1) A clear set of steps to solve a problem. 2) The one with fewer steps. 3) They save time and effort.