Computer Science Grade 2 20 min

Treasure Hunt Algorithms

Students create a treasure hunt with clues that lead to a hidden object. Focus on sequential instructions.

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Introduction & Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives Define an algorithm as a set of steps. Follow a simple, sequential algorithm to find an object. Create a simple algorithm using directional commands. Identify a 'bug' or mistake in a given algorithm. Use a 'loop' to represent repeated steps. Correct a simple bug in an algorithm ('debugging'). Want to be a pirate and find hidden treasure? 🏴‍☠️ Let's learn how to write secret maps! We will learn how to give clear instructions, called algorithms. These are like secret codes to help a friend or a robot find a prize. It's like making a recipe for fun! 🧁 Real-World Applications Following a recipe to bake a cake Giving a friend directions to your house Building a LEGO set using instructions Finding a book in t...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary

TermDefinitionExample AlgorithmA list of steps to finish a task. It's like a recipe! 📜1. Walk 2 steps forward. 2. Turn right. 3. Walk 3 steps forward. CommandA single instruction or step in your algorithm. ➡️The command 'Turn Left' tells you which way to turn. SequencePutting your commands in the right order. 1️⃣ 2️⃣ 3️⃣You must walk forward BEFORE you can turn to get the toy. LoopRepeating a command many times. It saves time! 🔁Instead of 'Step, Step, Step', we can say 'Repeat 3 times: Step'. BugA mistake in your algorithm that makes it not work. Oops! 🐞The map says 'Turn Right', but you needed to 'Turn Left'. DebuggingFinding and fixing the bugs in your algorithm. 🛠️You see the robot missed the treasure. You change 'Turn Righ...
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Core Syntax & Patterns

The Arrow Code ➡️ (Forward), ⬅️ (Backward), ⬆️ (Up), ⬇️ (Down), ↪️ (Turn Right), ↩️ (Turn Left) Use these simple arrows to write your commands. They make your map easy to read! The Repeat Block REPEAT [Number]: [Command] When you do the same thing over and over, use this rule. It makes your algorithm shorter.

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Sample Practice Questions

Challenging
A pirate needs to go 6 steps forward, turn right, and then go 6 steps forward again. What is the most EFFICIENT (shortest) way to write this algorithm?
A.`➡️, ➡️, ➡️, ➡️, ➡️, ➡️, ↪️, ➡️, ➡️, ➡️, ➡️, ➡️, ➡️`
B.`REPEAT 6: ➡️`, then `↪️`, then `REPEAT 6: ➡️`
C.`REPEAT 2: [REPEAT 6: ➡️, ↪️]`
D.`REPEAT 12: ➡️`
Challenging
A robot follows this algorithm: `REPEAT 3: [➡️, ⬆️]`. What shape does the robot's path make on the grid?
A.straight line going up.
B.straight line going right.
C.staircase shape going up and to the right.
D.square.
Challenging
A pirate's map is torn. It says `REPEAT [?]: ⬆️`. You test the map and see the pirate walks 5 steps up. What number should be in the `[?]` box?
A.3
B.4
C.6
D.5

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