What is Coding?

Learning Objectives Define 'coding' as giving instructions to a computer. Identify that computers need step-by-step instructions. Explain that an 'algorithm' is a list of steps. Create a simple sequence of 3-5 instructions for a task. Follow a simple algorithm to complete a task. Recognize that the order of instructions is very important. Have you ever told a grown-up how to build your favorite toy? 🧸 That's like coding! Today, we will learn about coding. Coding is a special language we use. It tells computers what to do. Real-World Applications Playing a video game on a tablet 🎮 Watching a cartoon on TV 📺 A toy robot that moves and talks 🤖 A traffic light changing colors 🚦

TermDefinitionExample CodingCoding is writing instructions for a computer. 💻Telling a character in a game to jump is coding. InstructionAn instruction is one single step. 🐾A simple instruction is 'take one step forward'. SequenceA sequence is putting instructions in the right order. ➡️First, get the paper. Second, get the crayon. AlgorithmAn algorithm is a list of steps to finish a task. 📝The steps to brush your teeth is an algorithm. ProgramA program is all the code for one big task. 👾Your favorite game app is a program. BugA bug is a mistake in the code. 🐞Telling a robot to go left instead of right is a bug.

Rule 1: Order Matters! Instructions must be in the correct 1, 2, 3 order. You put on socks THEN shoes. Computers need the right order too! 🧦👟 Rule 2: Be Super Clear! Computers only do exactly what you tell them to do. Don't just say 'get the fruit'. Say 'get the red apple'. 🍎 Rule 3: One Step at a Time Give the computer one simple instruction at a time. This helps the computer understand what you want it to do.