Real-Life Algorithms: Paper Airplanes
From Code.org: CS Fundamentals
2 minPre-KK1st2ndTechnology
Summary
Another quick unplugged-activity video: students sequence the folding steps for a paper airplane to build the same idea -- an algorithm is a precise, ordered list of steps -- with a hands-on example most kids already enjoy.
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All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
This video sequences the folds for a paper airplane as an algorithm.
- What happens if two folding steps get swapped?
- Why do the steps need to be precise, not just in the right order?
- Could two people follow the same steps and get slightly different airplanes? Why?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: algorithm, sequence, precise.
Try it: Fold a paper airplane while a partner reads your written steps aloud -- then fix any step that wasn't clear enough to follow.