Computer Science
Grade 2
20 min
Algorithms in Games: Treasure Hunt
Students create an algorithm for a treasure hunt, providing clues to find the treasure.
What you'll learn
- Identify the correct order of steps (the algorithm) to guide a character to treasure in a simple game.
- Solve a simple treasure hunt game by arranging 3-5 picture cards in the correct sequence to represent the path.
- Explain, using pictures or words, why a particular sequence of steps leads to the treasure, or why it doesn't.
- Apply arrows (up, down, left, right) to create a simple algorithm that moves a character on a grid to find treasure.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define an algorithm as a set of steps.
Create a sequence of instructions to guide a character.
Follow a simple algorithm to find a treasure. 🪙
Identify a mistake (a bug) in a set of instructions.
Use a 'Repeat' block for repeated actions.
Explain why the order of instructions is very important.
Want to help a pirate find his lost treasure chest? 🏴☠️ Let's give him the secret instructions!
We will learn how to give clear, step-by-step instructions. These special instructions are called an algorithm. This helps our pirate get the gold every time!
Real-World Applications
Following a recipe to bake cookies 🍪
Building a LEGO set using the guide 🧱
Getting ready for school in the morning 🎒
Playing a game like 'Simon Says'...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
AlgorithmA list of steps to finish a task. It's like a recipe!To make a sandwich: 1. Get bread. 2. Add cheese. 3. Put bread on top.
SequenceThe order that the steps happen in. First, then next, then last.You must put on your socks BEFORE you put on your shoes. 🧦➡️👟
InstructionOne single step in your algorithm. It tells you what to do.A single code block like 'Move Forward' ➡️ is an instruction.
Bug 🐛A mistake in your instructions that makes things go wrong.Telling the pirate to turn left when the treasure is on the right.
DebuggingFinding and fixing the bugs in your algorithm. It's like being a detective! 🕵️Changing a 'Turn Left' block to a 'Turn Right' block to fix the path.
Loop (Repeat)Doing the same instruction over and...
3
Core Syntax & Patterns
The Sequence Pattern
[Step 1] ➡️ [Step 2] ➡️ [Step 3]
Instructions must be in the correct order to work. The computer reads them one by one from top to bottom.
The Repeat (Loop) Pattern
Repeat [Number] times: [Instruction]
Use this to make your code shorter. It's great for doing the same thing many times in a row.
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A path to a treasure looks like a staircase: 'Forward, Turn Right, Forward, Turn Left, Forward, Turn Right, Forward, Turn Left'. What is the most efficient algorithm using a loop?
A.Repeat 4 times: Move Forward
B.Repeat 2 times: [Move Forward, Turn Right, Move Forward, Turn Left]
C.Repeat 2 times: Move Forward, Repeat 2 times: Turn
D.Move Forward, Repeat 2 times: [Turn Right, Move Forward, Turn Left, Move Forward]
Challenging
Your character starts facing up. It needs to go right 2 steps. Your code is '[Repeat 2 times: Move Forward]'. It bumps into a wall above it. What TWO things do you need to fix?
A.Turn Left first, then Repeat 2 times
B.Add a 'Move Forward' and a 'Turn Right'
C.Change Repeat to 3 times and add a 'Turn Left'
D.Add a 'Turn Right' block at the beginning, and keep the 'Repeat 2 times: Move Forward'
Challenging
A character ENDS on a treasure chest. The code it followed was: 'Move Forward, Move Forward, Turn Left, Move Forward'. If the treasure is at the top-center of a 5x5 grid, where did the character START (and what direction was it facing)?
A.Started two squares below the treasure, facing up.
B.Started three squares to the left of the treasure, facing right.
C.Started one square to the right and two squares below the treasure, facing up.
D.Started one square to the left of the treasure, facing down.
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Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Algorithms in Games: Treasure Hunt"?
Algorithms in Games: Treasure Hunt is a Grade 2 Computer Science lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Algorithms in Games: Treasure Hunt?
You'll be able to: Identify the correct order of steps (the algorithm) to guide a character to treasure in a simple game; Solve a simple treasure hunt game by arranging 3-5 picture cards in the correct sequence to represent the path; Explain….
Is "Algorithms in Games: Treasure Hunt" free to practice?
Yes. You can read the tutorial preview for free, and signing up for a free ExcelOS account unlocks the full tutorial and all practice questions with instant feedback.
How many practice questions are included with Algorithms in Games: Treasure Hunt?
This lesson includes 27 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.