Computer Science
Kindergarten
20 min
Building a Fort Together
Collaboratively building a fort using blankets and pillows.
What you'll learn
- Identify at least two different shapes (square, circle, triangle) used to build the fort.
- Explain one way they worked together with a friend to build the fort.
- Apply the idea of 'big' and 'small' by sorting building materials into two groups: big and small.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify a shared goal for a project.
Take turns giving and following simple instructions.
Follow a simple, two-step plan with a partner.
Use signals like 'my turn' and 'your turn' to share.
Describe one job for a 'Driver' and one for a 'Navigator'.
Say something helpful or kind to a partner.
Want to build an awesome pillow fort? 🏰 Let's do it together!
We will learn how to be a team. We will share and take turns. Teamwork makes building easier and more fun! 🎉
Real-World Applications
Playing a game with a friend.
Building with blocks together.
Making a big drawing with a partner.
Sharing a computer to code a game.
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Team 🤝A group working together.You and your friend are a team.
Goal 🎯What we want to make or do.Our goal is to build a big, cozy fort.
Plan 📝The steps to reach our goal.Step 1: Get pillows. Step 2: Add a blanket.
Partner 🧑🤝🧑Someone you work with.The person next to you is your partner.
Taking Turns 🔄First my turn, then your turn.I put on a pillow. Then you put on a pillow.
Sharing 🤗Letting your partner use things too.We both use the same pile of pillows.
3
Core Syntax & Patterns
The Driver and Navigator Rule 🚗🗺️
One person uses the mouse (Driver). One person gives ideas (Navigator).
The Driver moves the mouse. The Navigator helps decide where to click. Then you switch jobs!
The One Speaker Rule 🤫
Only one person talks at a time.
Listen when your partner talks. Wait for your turn to speak. This helps us hear all the good ideas.
The Plan First Rule 🥇
Talk about the steps before you start.
First, we make a plan together. Then, we start to build. This helps us know what to do.
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
Your team has 2 big blankets, 5 small pillows, and 2 chairs. Your plan is a long tunnel fort. What is the biggest problem you will need to solve together?
A.You might not have enough chairs to hold up a LONG tunnel
B.The pillows are too small
C.The chairs will be too comfy to sit on
D.The blankets are not the same color
Challenging
Your team tried to build a fort. Everyone grabbed things at once, nobody listened, and it fell apart. What is the MOST important rule to add for next time?
A.Only use blue blankets
B.Make a plan and listen to each other's ideas first
C.Build the fort much smaller
D.No talking at all while building
Challenging
You have one friend who is very strong, one who is very tall, and you are very good at planning. To build the BEST fort, what is the smartest order of steps?
A.Everyone runs to get pillows at the same time
B.The tall friend brings chairs, you drape the blanket, and the strong friend plans
C.You tell them the plan first, then the strong friend brings chairs, and the tall friend drapes the blanket
D.You do all the work yourself because you have the plan
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing FreeMore from Working Together: Introduction to Collaboration
Computer Science for other grades
Frequently asked questions
What grade level is "Building a Fort Together"?
Building a Fort Together is a Kindergarten Computer Science lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Building a Fort Together?
You'll be able to: Identify at least two different shapes (square, circle, triangle) used to build the fort; Explain one way they worked together with a friend to build the fort; Apply the idea of 'big' and 'small' by sorting building materials….
Is "Building a Fort Together" 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 Building a Fort Together?
This lesson includes 27 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.