The Sandwich Algorithm

Lesson Content

• Lesson Plan Template:

  CTE Lesson Plan

• CTE Course Info and Benchmark Notes

  
  

  Program Title (as applicable):Integrated Technology Studies

  Course Title: Coding Fundamentals

  Course Number: 9009200

  Career Cluster: Information Technology

  CIP Number: 0511020109

  Course Type: Orientation/Exploratory

  • 07.02 Define the term “algorithm,” and explain how it relates to problem-solving.

• Unit Outline

  
  

  This lesson is designed to be used with the case study “Real-life Algorithms.” See CPALMS resource ID# 209804.

• Career Connection

  
  

  Algorithmic thinking is an important skill to learn because it allows software engineers and computer science developers to outline efficient procedures to solve errors and complete a specific task. This lesson encourages students to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Learning Objectives

  
  

  Students will be able to:

  • Understand and use the basic steps in algorithmic problem-solving.
  • Develop a set of step by step procedure to complete a daily task
  • Select the most efficient algorithm to solve a problem, individually and collaboratively.
  • Recognize different algorithms can solve the same problem.

• Prior Knowledge

  
  

  Students should be familiar with:

  • tasks that require multiple steps

• Guiding Questions

  
  
  • How can real-life algorithms be used in problem-solving?
  • How are algorithms used in computer science?

• Procedure

  
  
  1. To begin the lesson, introduce the term “algorithm” as a sequence of steps that an individual follows to complete a task. See Teacher Notes for additional information.
  2. Divide students into pairs and have them brainstorm an activity they do on a daily basis that requires multiple steps to perform. Allow students time to think of all the steps and write them down, as needed.
     • Have one student share the specific steps they take while their partner acts out the steps to ensure accuracy and vice versa. See Teacher Notes for additional information.
     • Allow pairs to share their findings with the whole classroom.
  3. Distribute the case study “Real-Life Algorithm” to students to read. (see CPALMS resource ID #209804). Allow time for students to read the case study. Discuss briefly the connection between the idea of an algorithm and making sandwiches. Also, ask students the following questions:
     • “How can real-life algorithms be used in problem-solving?”
     • "What do you notice about all of Liliana’s algorithms?"
     • "How does each one of her algorithms help solve her problem?"
  4. After reading, student pairs will act out (with or without supplies, see Special Materials) how Liliana made her sandwich in her 4 attempts. One student will read the steps out loud, and the partner will act them out.
     • After going over all the attempts, students will circle what attempt represents the most efficient sequence of steps and explain why. Students can answer this on paper and/or using an online digital platform.
     • As students share their findings, reinforce the concept of an algorithm and the importance of performing a task that is exact, unambiguous, and precise.
  5. Students will then complete the “Sandwich Sandwich Algorithm Worksheet” (see attachment) with their partner. Students will work in pairs to plan the ingredients for a sandwich. Then, each student will create an algorithm for preparing the sandwich and students will act out each algorithm to decide which is the most efficient.
  6. To bring the lesson to a close, students will answer the last two questions on the worksheet “How can algorithms be used to help solve problems?" and "What makes an algorithm efficient?” Students will share their answers with the whole class.

• Teacher Notes

  
  
  • You can use algorithms to help describe things that people do every day (brushing teeth, making paper airplanes, dressing up for school etc.)
  • An efficient algorithm is also a sequence of tasks with the least number of steps, while keeping to be exact, unambiguous, and precise.

• Optional

  
  

  Accommodation Suggestions:

  • Reduce the number of ingredients that are required to complete the “Real Sandwich Algorithm Worksheet” to 2-3 for students who needs modified assignments.