In Room 10, a year 4 and 5 class, we learnt that computers are good - and fast at following instructions but they can't think for themselves. We learnt that the instructions a computer follows is called an algorithm. The kids discussed that they have imaginations, creatively and problem solving skills!
We read the story "Hello Ruby" by Linda Liukas. The kids definitely related to the way Ruby is a bit cheeky when following her dads instructions. He asks her to get dressed, so she does... but doesn't take her pyjamas off first because he didn't ask her too. Or when she is asked to pick up her toys, she picks up all the toys but leaves the pencils on the ground because they are not really toys!
We worked collaboratively to be "computer" following an algorithm. Each child had to think of their algorithm - some drew circles, lines, hearts, the first letter of their name. BUT whatever they chose they had to do the same thing, over and over again.
After wards we discussed how long it might take for a computer to generate a similar piece of artwork, given the exact same instructions? The kids reckoned...not very long - that a computer could make millions of pictures in the same time they could make one.
We ended the session with a play on Scratch, most kids hadn't come across Scratch before, and those who had rose to the challenge of being "coding experts". The kids created an algorithm to make the Sprite draw a line on the stage. Some went above and beyond... creating codes to make the Sprite draw circles and triangles! And of course the annoying "MEOW!!" sound effect!
Next time, I'd like the kids to create their 'algorithm pictures' with larger pieces of paper and I'd encourage the kids to connect their algorithms... for example three kids following these three different instructions... draw a circle, draw star in the middle of every circle, draw a line to connect all the circles....
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