Lesson Overview
This lesson introduces students to what an algorithm is, using the making of peanut butter jelly sandwiches as an example. Students will learn that an algorithm is like a recipe and that different people tend to prefer different algorithms based on their varied interests and goals.
Summary Videos: Part 1, Part 2
Total Lesson Time: 50 min
Learning Objectives: Students will be able to…
- Write a simple algorithm
- Create a list of goals for an algorithm
- Create a list of stakeholders for an algorithm
Pacing:
- Opening (2 min)
- Intro. to new material & guided practice (8 min)
- Best PB+J Activity (10 min)
- Mid-workshop Mini-Lesson (10 min)
- Turn & Talk (10 min)
- Wrap-Up + Exit Ticket (10 min)
Planning Guide
Preparation Needed: 15-20 min
Materials:
- Printed activity worksheet and exit ticket
- (optional) chart paper and markers
Prep Needed for Teaching In-Person:
- Print the Best PB&J activity worksheets and Exit Ticket (one for each student)
- (optional) Distribute chart paper and markers for students to use individually (or in pairs)
Vocabulary Terms: optimize
Key Points: Emphasize these points to meet the learning objectives
- The term “best” (in the Best PB&J) could mean a lot of different things. “Best” is a subjective value.
- The work to design an algorithm to meet one value over another is called optimize.
- Computer algorithms optimize for various values and goals.
Resources
Teacher Resources:
- Full Lesson Plan
- Lesson Slides (includes a guiding script for new teachers)
- Answer key for Exit Ticket
Student Materials:
Assessment:
- Exit Ticket (Google Form)
- Exit Ticket (Printable Worksheet)