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Algorithms

Seventh graders learn what an algorithm is — a clear, step-by-step set of instructions to solve a problem. From recipes to apps, algorithms are everywhere, and computers follow them exactly. They explore the idea, then write their own algorithm.

Grade 7Algorithms50 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.
  • ✓Spot everyday ones.
  • ✓Keep steps clear.
  • ✓Write one.
Essential Question

What do a recipe and a computer program have in common?

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Lesson Phases
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Vocabulary Terms
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Standards Aligned
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Interactive Task
Explore · Interactive

Algorithms

Project this and tap each. Have students explore what an algorithm is.

📋 Explore algorithms — tap eachTry it

The Lesson · Explicit teaching

50 minutes, five moves

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

1

Hook — Step by Step

5 min

How would you tell a robot to make a sandwich?

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Pose the question.
  • Share ideas.
  • Set the goal.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Think.
  • Share.
  • Get ready.
2

Use — Algorithms

12 min

Students learn.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Send students to Algorithms.
  • Tap each idea.
  • Note clear, ordered steps.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Tap each.
  • Say.
  • Note it.
3

Modify — Write Steps

13 min

Students practice.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Pick a simple task.
  • List the steps in order.
  • Check for gaps.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Pick.
  • List.
  • Check.
4

Create — Create

15 min

Students apply.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Write an algorithm.
  • Have a partner follow it exactly.
  • Fix any unclear steps.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Write.
  • Test.
  • Fix.
5

Reflect — Reflect

5 min

Students close.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • What is an algorithm?
  • Why must steps be ordered?
  • 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 the ISTE Standards for Students.

CSTA
2-AP-10

Use algorithms to solve problems.

CSTA
2-AP-11

Represent algorithms clearly.

CSTA
2-AP-13

Decompose problems into steps.

ISTE
5c

Break problems into algorithmic steps.

Differentiation

One lesson, every learner

Multilingual Learners

ELL / EMERGING READERS
  • Step/sequence cards.
  • Frame: "first ___, then ___."
  • Write a simple recipe.

Support & Access

IEP / 504
  • Use a 3-step task.
  • Use pictures.
  • Follow a model.

Stretch & Extend

GIFTED / EARLY FINISHERS
  • Write a sorting algorithm.
  • Compare two algorithms.
  • Flowchart an algorithm.
Materials

What to gather

  • 📽️Screen / board
  • 📋Step cards
  • 💻Algorithms
  • 📋Algorithm worksheet
  • 📓Notebooks
  • 🎫Exit-ticket slips
Vocabulary

Key terms — hover for a quick definition

algorithmstep-by-step instructionsstepone instructionsequencethe order of stepsinputwhat you start withoutputthe resultpreciseclear and exactdecomposebreak into stepsprocessa series of steps
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 step-by-step set of instructions to solve a problem.
QUESTION 2
Give an everyday example.
A recipe, directions, or brushing your teeth.
QUESTION 3
Why must steps be in order?
A computer follows them exactly, in sequence.

Reflect: algorithms.

Have students write an algorithm and test it with a partner. A printable algorithm worksheet is in the CS 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.

🃏 AlgorithmsFlip
Card 1
Term
Tap to flip →
Meaning
0

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Practice · Quiz

Check your understanding

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

📝 AlgorithmsQuiz
Score: 0
1 / 6
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.

🖨️ AlgorithmsPrint
Name: ________________________
Date: ____________

Part A · Write the word that matches each meaning

Word bank: algorithm, decompose, input, output, precise, process, sequence, step
  1. break into steps
  2. clear and exact
  3. what you start with
  4. a series of steps
  5. the order of steps
  6. one instruction
  7. the result
  8. step-by-step instructions

Part B · Show what you learned

  1. What is an algorithm?
  2. Give an everyday example.
  3. Why must steps be in order?
Answer key — Part A: 1) decompose · 2) precise · 3) input · 4) process · 5) sequence · 6) step · 7) output · 8) algorithm
Part B: 1) A step-by-step set of instructions to solve a problem. 2) A recipe, directions, or brushing your teeth. 3) A computer follows them exactly, in sequence.