: Introduction To Coding Concepts And Scratch Programming Language Lesson Plan for 3rd Grade Example Students

Topic: Introduction to coding concepts and scratch programming language

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to understand the basic idea of coding and scratch programming language.
• Students will be able to create simple scripts and animations using scratch programming language.

Materials

• Computer with scratch programming language installed
• Projector or screen for sharing scratch script creations
• Handouts with examples of scratch scripts for students to create

Warm-up

• Ask students if they have ever heard of coding or seen anyone create scripts or programs on a computer. Ask them to share their experiences and what they have seen.
• Next, introduce the concept of programming and explain that it is the process of creating scripts and programs using a special language that computers can understand.

Direct Instruction

• Show students the scratch programming language interface on the computer and explain how it works. Explain the different elements of the interface, such as the scratchpad where users can create and edit their programs, the blocks palette where users can select the different coding blocks to create their programs, and the play button that users can press to run their programs.
• Demonstrate how to create a simple program in scratch by creating a character, giving it a name, and making it move around the screen.
• Explain the different coding blocks in scratch and how they work. For example, show how the if...then...else block can be used to make a character do something if a certain condition is met, and how the repeat...until block can be used to make a character repeat a set of actions until a condition is met.

Guided Practice

• Divide the students into small groups and give each group a set of coding blocks to work with.
• Have each group create a simple program in scratch using the coding blocks provided, and then have them share their program with the class to show their peers what they created.

Independent Practice

• Have students use scratch on their own to create a simple program on their own.
• Encourage students to be creative and think outside the box when coming up with their program.

Closure

• Have students share their programs with the class and explain their thinking behind the program.
• Review the key concepts learned in this lesson including blocks, variables, if statements and loops.

Assessment

• Observe students during the guided and independent practice activities to assess their understanding of the concepts covered.
• Collect and review the programs written by students during the independent practice activity.
• Administer a brief quiz to assess students' knowledge of the key concepts covered in the lesson.