C3.1 Solve problems and create computational representations of mathematical situations by writing and executing code, including code that involves conditional statements and other control structures.
Activity 1: Conditional instructions related to daily life
Use unplugged coding using the "if, then, else" command.
Communicate the following conditional situations to students:
If I see the STOP sign while driving, then I stop, otherwise I continue. |
If it's cold, then I wear a coat, if it's not, then I wear a sweater. |
IF STOP sign, THEN stop SINON continues |
IF cold, THEN put on coat OR put on a sweater |
Discuss with students the various conditional instructions.
Ask students the following questions:
- What do you notice?
- Are there any differences?
- Are there any similarities?
The student learns that pseudocode helps him/her plan his/her code.
Have the student plan a code using the pseudocode in parallel with learning a mathematical concept. The pseudocode first becomes a way for the student to remember the steps to follow.
Ask the student to write everyday situations that have the structure of "if, then, else" using pseudocode.
Activity 2: Financial literacy and conditional instructions/control structures
Communicate the following situation to students:
Have students record the following information:
- Aline's parents give her $100 as a start-up sum.
- From Monday to Friday, Aline has chores to do at home and her parents give her $25 a week when she does them.
- Aline helps her neighbor with outside work every weekend. Her neighbor gives her $20.
- Aline has an online subscription to listen to the music. The fee is $10 per month.
Using the above information, create a code that will allow Aline to calculate her income and expenses in a way that will help her set a timeline for her financial goal.
The code can be created using a tool of the student's choice, such as a spreadsheet or block programming software.