Skip to content
PlayOwl

Coding · Grade 2

Design a Clear Algorithm

Second graders learn what makes an algorithm clear, complete and in order, write clear forward-and-turn algorithms for Bolt the robot, follow a real sorting algorithm (the swap algorithm) step by step, and test algorithms on several cases to find and fix problems.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 70 minutes
  • Clear algorithms check: 8 questions
  • Ways to answer: program with blocks, choose an answer, highlight a text, type a number, put in order and sort into groups
Try it now (no account) One of the five free starter courses Open in PlayOwl

What learners will discover

  • Tell whether steps are clear, complete and in a working order.
  • Write a clear algorithm for Bolt using forward, turn left and turn right.
  • Follow the swap sorting algorithm: compare neighbours, swap if the left is bigger, and repeat passes until no swaps.
  • Test an algorithm on several cases and improve it when a case fails.

Lessons

  1. Clear, complete, in order 4 steps2 practiceabout 14 min
  2. Clear algorithms for Bolt 5 steps2 practiceabout 15 min
  3. A sorting algorithm 5 steps3 practiceabout 16 min
  4. Test and improve 6 steps3 practiceabout 14 min
  5. Clear algorithms check 8 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Robot RoutesSnap together arrow, repeat and dance blocks to guide Bolt the robot home.
  • Bug DetectiveA robot program almost works. Run it, spot the buggy block, and fix it.
  • Mini-Game StudioMake a tiny game with rule blocks, test-play it, and share it once it can be won.

More 2nd grade coding

Guide for grown-ups