Coding is a precise set of instructions a computer can understand. The instructions or steps are called an algorithm. This STEM coding for kids activity invites students at school or children at home to create a cup stacking design and record the steps needs to build it as an algorithm. I have created a printable planning and recording document for you.
Coding for Kids- Cup Stacking
The first thing you are going to need to do is to download the STEM Coding for Kids – Cup Stacking Algorithm printable.Your children can record their design on it and record the algorithm need to build their design.
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You will need to provide cups for your children to test their design out with. They can later use the same cups to follow their algorithm and make sure that it is accurate. We used mini red cups when we explored this coding for kids activity. If you prefer your children use larger cups, that is totally fine.
Starting the Activity
Children or students will need to draw their design at the bottom of the STEM Coding for Kids – Cup Stacking Algorithm printable. Before they start their drawings, you will want to let them know how many cups they can use. If you want them to use a particular number of cups, that would be fine. If they can use less than that number of cups, you will need to share that with them.
Creating the Code
You will need to go over what each of the algorithm symbols means. There is a start the stack here cup symbol along with symbols for go up, go down, go left and go right. They may need to use some or all of these symbols for their design.
Reflecting
They are almost finished the coding for kids activity. The final step is to reflect on the challenges they encountered by doing creating their cup stack and cup stacking algorithm. This will give them an opportunity share what they learned about coding an algorithm.
Here are some more coding for kids activities you will love:
Amazing Offline Coding Activities
Little Miss Muffet Coding Activity and Printable
Coding Activity- Going on a Bear Hunt
Exploring Binary Number While Making Jewelry
ABC’s of How to Read Binary with Printable
Building Binary Code with LEGO
I love this idea. But I wish I understood how to fill out the chart. I wish you had a photo of what the chart should look like when filled out.
I can add one. Your children just need to select a grid space for the starting cup. Then show how to add the rest of the cups with arrows.
I will be putting up a sample of how to fill out the chart this weekend.