U3L1 The Need For Programming CS Principles U3L1 The Need For Programming

U3L1 The Need For Programming Languages Objectives SWBAT: Assess the clarity of a set of instructions expressed in human language. Create a set of instructions in human language for building a simple LEGO block arrangement. Identify connections between the ability to program and the ability to solve problems. Describe the ambiguities inherent in human language and the ways programming languages seek to remove those ambiguities.

UNIT 3 Algorithms and Programming Welcome to Unit 3 - Introduction to Programming This unit is an introduction to the principles of programming. As you’ll see one of the most important things you can do in programming starts well before you write any code. It’s about how you think. We’re going to launch into an activity right now that reveals an important principle of programming.

U3L1 Content: The Need For Programming The main purpose of the lesson is to expose why programming languages are necessary, and how they come into being. When you formalize language or commands that describe actions you are making a kind of code. This is also necessary for computers, which are simply machines that can perform a number of different tasks. In order to write instructions for them to do something you must agree on the “code” and each action must have a precise, unambiguous meaning. This is a programming language. All programming languages are derived from the human need to concisely give instructions to a machine.

LEGO INSTRUCTIONS ACTIVITY Below are the steps students are asked to complete in the activity guide. 1. Create a simple LEGO arrangement (and record it) Groups should create an arrangement of their blocks in accordance with the following rules: All pieces must be connected in a single arrangement. Color matters: the final arrangement must be absolutely identical to the original. Groups should record their arrangement by taking a picture or creating a simple drawing. 2. Write instructions for building your arrangement On a separate sheet of paper, each group should write out a set of instructions, that another group could use to create the same arrangement. A couple of guidelines are below: You may only use words when creating these instructions. In particular, you may not include your image or draw images of your own. Try to make your instructions as clear as possible. Your classmates are about to use them! 3. Trade instructions and attempt to follow them Groups should disassemble their arrangements, place their instructions next to the pieces, and hide their image or drawing of the arrangement somewhere it cannot be seen. Have groups move around the room to other groups’ instructions and try to follow them to build the desired arrangements. Have the original group check whether the solutions are correct or let groups check their solutions themselves by looking at the recorded image of the arrangement afterwards. Allow groups an opportunity to try a few of their classmates’ instructions before reconvening.

U3L1 REFLECTION: Why is writing instructions hard? In your notebooks reflect on each of the following prompts: Prompt: 1. “Were you always able to create the intended arrangement? Were your instructions as clear as you thought?” 2. “Why do you think we are running into these miscommunications? Is it really the fault of your classmates or is something else going on?”