Dance Commands: Creating Move Algorithms

In this lesson, you'll guide students through understanding algorithms via interactive activities. Begin by explaining algorithms using a slideshow, then transition into creating "dance algorithms". Students will suggest dance moves to form a class dance routine. Afterwards, they'll work in small groups to create their own dance routines. The lesson concludes with a reflection on the importance of algorithms in coding.

Learning Goals Learning Outcomes Teacher Notes

Warning: Your screen size is quite small for viewing this. Rotate your device into landscape mode if you can.

1 Introduction
2 Introducing Algorithms
3 Putting on Shoes
4 Washing your Hands
5 Eating Cereal
Challenge
Quiz

1 - Introduction

You've already had success in our previous unplugged lessons, practicing how to follow and sequence clear instructions. Today, we'll continue using those skills as we focus on algorithms.

An algorithm is simply a precise set of step-by-step instructions designed to solve a problem or complete a task. Think of it as the core logic that makes every computer program work.

In this lesson, we'll use creative, hands-on activities, without using computers, to build and test our own simple algorithms. We'll be practising the logical thinking necessary to give machines the perfect sequence of commands. Let's get started.

2 - Introducing Algorithms

Begin the lesson by clearly explaining to your students that an algorithm is simply a set of instructions that tells you how to do something in a very specific order. Just like a recipe, every step has to be clear, and the order has to be correct!

Now, put that definition into practice. Have the students give you step-by-step instructions for a simple, everyday task. For example, you can ask them to tell you:

How to make a Jam sandwich.
How to sharpen a pencil.
How to wave goodbye.

Write their steps on the board. If the steps are out of order or unclear, execute them exactly as they are written (e.g., trying to put the bread in the bag before buying it). This shows them why sequence and precision are the most important parts of a successful algorithm.

3 - Putting on Shoes

4 - Washing your Hands

5 - Eating Cereal

Unlock the Full Learning Experience

Get ready to embark on an incredible learning journey! Get access to this lesson and hundreds more in our Digital Skills Curriculum.

Get started

Copyright Notice
This lesson is copyright of Coding Ireland 2017 - 2025. Unauthorised use, copying or distribution is not allowed.

Your Answer or Description of Your Work

Project URL This can be a link to your project (e.g. a Scratch, Microbit, Arcade or CodePen URL link).

Upload File

You must be logged into Scratch to share your project, otherwise the link will not work.

To get the URL link of your Scratch project:

Make sure you're logged into Scratch.
Click on the Share button in the project editor.
Click on the Copy Link button.
Click on the Copy Link link. This will save the URL of your project page into your clipboard.

To get the URL link of your Microbit project:

Click on the button in the project editor.
Click on the Publish Project button.
Click on the Copy button. This will save the URL of your project page into your clipboard.

To get the URL link of your Arcade project:

Click on the button in the project editor.
Click on the Publish Project button.
Click on the Copy button. This will save the URL of your project page into your clipboard.

To get the URL link of your CodePen project:

Make sure you're logged into CodePen.
Open your project in the editor.
Click on the Save button at the top of the editor.
Copy the link from the address bar in your web browser (e.g. https://codepen.io/Jane-Smith/pen/gOVXxBQ)

Dance Commands: Creating Move Algorithms