Block code: what is in each box?: coding worksheet for Grades 3–5, page 1 preview

Coding worksheet · Computers & Digital Literacy

Block code: what is in each box? · Grades 3–5

Read 6 short block code programs about variables that change step by step and work out by hand what each one prints or the final value of a variable. Builds careful code tracing.

Grades 3–5 · ages 8 to 11
Hard
15 to 20 minutes
1 page
Free

The answer key is a separate page for grown-ups. Sign in to download it.

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The programs to trace

Directions: Read each program from top to bottom, one block at a time. Keep track of every box (variable) as it changes, then write the answer.

1 What does Olly say?
set red to 4 set blue to 9 set red to blue set blue to red say red, blue
2 What does Olly say?
set points to 3 set apples to 5 set points to points + apples change apples by 2 say points + apples
3 What is big at the end?
set a to 20 set b to 7 if a > b then set big to a else set big to b set big to big * 2
big =
4 How many seeds at the end?
set seeds to 1 repeat 3 times set seeds to seeds * 2
seeds =
5 What does Olly say?
set pebbles to 8 set acorns to pebbles change pebbles by 3 say pebbles

What your child practices

Your child builds careful code tracing. The skill is “Variables”: use named values such as a score, lives or a timer that a program changes and checks.

Grades and ages: Grades 3–5, ages 8 to 11
Time: About 15 to 20 minutes
Subject: Computers & Digital Literacy
Level: Hard for Grades 3–5
Answer key: Yes, for grown-ups who sign in
Printing: 1 page, US Letter or A4, low-ink option
Updated: October 15, 2026

How to use it

Work through the first program together, one line or arrow at a time. Then let your child work through the rest, showing their thinking on the page. It is one of the harder sheets for Grades 3–5, best once the basics of the skill are secure.

An answer key comes with it as a separate page that grown-ups download after signing in.

Tip for grown-ups: Have your child write each variable's value beside its line as they trace.

Done on paper? A grown-up can record it on the child's page in PlayOwl; downloading alone doesn't count as finished.