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Algorithms & Pseudocode

Eighth graders learn to design algorithms — clear, ordered steps a computer can follow — and to sketch them in pseudocode (plain-language code) before programming. They order the design steps, then write an algorithm for a real task.

Grade 8Algorithms & Pseudocode50 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.
  • ✓Write pseudocode.
  • ✓Add decisions.
  • ✓Test & refine.
Essential Question

How do you plan out the steps of a program before you code it?

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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 Algorithm Steps

Project this and have students put the steps for writing an algorithm in order.

🧩 Put the algorithm-design steps in orderTry it
Tap the first step of writing an algorithm!
The Lesson · Explicit teaching

50 minutes, five moves

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

1

Hook — A Recipe for Code

5 min

Before coding, how do you plan what the program should do?

👩‍🏫 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 Order the Algorithm Steps.
  • Order the steps.
  • Note test with an example.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Order.
  • Say.
  • Note it.
3

Modify — Write It

13 min

Students practice.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Pick a simple task.
  • Write ordered steps.
  • Add an if/then.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Pick.
  • Write.
  • Decide.
4

Create — Create

15 min

Students apply.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Write pseudocode for a task.
  • Trace it with an example.
  • Refine any mistakes.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Write.
  • Trace.
  • Refine.
5

Reflect — Reflect

5 min

Students close.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • What is an algorithm?
  • Why test with an example?
  • 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 flowcharts and pseudocode to design algorithms.

CSTA
2-AP-11

Create variables within a program.

CSTA
2-AP-17

Systematically test and refine.

ISTE
5c

Break problems into ordered steps.

Differentiation

One lesson, every learner

Multilingual Learners

ELL / EMERGING READERS
  • Step cards with icons.
  • Frame: "first define the ___."
  • Build an algorithm together.

Support & Access

IEP / 504
  • Use 3 core steps.
  • Use a simple task.
  • Provide a template.

Stretch & Extend

GIFTED / EARLY FINISHERS
  • Add a loop to the algorithm.
  • Draw a flowchart.
  • Convert pseudocode to code.
Materials

What to gather

  • 📽️Screen / board
  • 🧩Algorithm cards
  • 💻Order the Algorithm Steps
  • 📋Pseudocode sheet
  • 📓Notebooks
  • 🎫Exit-ticket slips
Vocabulary

Key terms — hover for a quick definition

algorithmordered steps to solve a problempseudocodeplain-language codestepone instructiondecisionan if/then choiceinputdata going inoutputthe resulttracefollow the steps by handrefineimprove the algorithm
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, ordered set of steps a computer can follow.
QUESTION 2
What is pseudocode?
Plain-language code used to plan a program.
QUESTION 3
Why test with an example?
To catch mistakes before coding.

Reflect: algorithms & pseudocode.

Have students write pseudocode for a real task. A printable pseudocode sheet 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.

🃏 Algorithms & PseudocodeFlip
Card 1
Term
Tap to flip →
Meaning
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Practice · Quiz

Check your understanding

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

📝 Algorithms & PseudocodeQuiz
Score: 0
1 / 6
Question 1
0%

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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.

🖨️ Algorithms & PseudocodePrint
Name: ________________________
Date: ____________

Part A · Write the word that matches each meaning

Word bank: algorithm, decision, input, output, pseudocode, refine, step, trace
  1. plain-language code
  2. data going in
  3. follow the steps by hand
  4. the result
  5. improve the algorithm
  6. one instruction
  7. an if/then choice
  8. ordered steps to solve a problem

Part B · Show what you learned

  1. What is an algorithm?
  2. What is pseudocode?
  3. Why test with an example?
Answer key — Part A: 1) pseudocode · 2) input · 3) trace · 4) output · 5) refine · 6) step · 7) decision · 8) algorithm
Part B: 1) A clear, ordered set of steps a computer can follow. 2) Plain-language code used to plan a program. 3) To catch mistakes before coding.