These algorithm game boards are a great way for your children to explore algorithms and coding. They are a part of a Back to School series of coding activities that feature sneakers. Why sneakers? Pete the Cat loves his sneakers. Many children get new sneakers to start the school year. I thought that made sneakers a great back to school theme.
I have created a couple of these game boards to use offline with children. So far there is a one with penguin theme and one with sharks. Once you have checked them out, you may want to check other activities that are part of my Offline Coding Academy.
Getting the Algorithm Game Boards Ready
Before you can explore the algorithm game boards you will need to download them. The Sneaker Algorithm Game Boards set is a PDF. Therefore will need to have Acrobat Reader or another PDF reader on your computer to open it.
Next, you will need to decide which of the gameboards you want to have your children explore and print out.
Then you will need to decide if your children are going to draw their algorithm path with a pencil. (You will only be able to use the game board once if you choose this approach.) If you choose to print out the arrows that come with the set, you can use the game boards over and over again. (Laminate game boards will last a really long time.)
Exploring the Algorithm Game Boards
These sneaker game boards invite children to connect the beginning of the game board to the end. Arrows children place in the squares connecting the beginning to the end will create the algorithm
Sneakers have been placed in some of the blocks. The arrows children place in the blocks will need to point in the direction needed to leave the box and move to the next box that doesn’t contain a sneaker. While there is more than one way to complete each gameboard, some routes are more direct than others. When a coder is creating an algorithm, they try to use the fewest steps possible. Some children may try to find the shortest route with the fewest twists and turns. Some children will try to come up with the most creative route. It will be fun to see what your children choose to do.
Reading a Pete the Cat Book
If your children haven’t read Pete the Cat books before. You may want to read one of the books below to them.
The links below are affiliate links.
If you like this coding activity, here are some more you will love.
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Algorithm Page
Offline Coding Academy -Muffin Tin Algorithm
How to Make Liquid Starch Slime Algorithm
