Amazing algorithms

This Connected article by Caitlin Duncan, introduces and explains the concept of algorithms.

Algorithms are everywhere working behind the scenes – suggesting the next movie to watch, providing the right search results, finding the best route to school and so much more. To help students understand this abstract concept, examples from everyday life, mathematics and computer programming are provided.

At level 2 in the technology curriculum the goal is to have students understand that there are relationships between the inputs, controlled transformations and outputs occurring within simple technological systems.

The students learn about some key technology and mathematical ideas related to algorithms:

• an algorithm is a list of steps that help solve a problem or complete a task
• algorithms for one problem can be used for similar problems
• in maths an algorithm is a term used to refer to a particular way of working out an answer (i.e. a written vertical algorithm is used to add, subtract, multiply or divide).

Check your school library for the article from the 2018 level 2 Connected journal ‘Step by Step’, download it as a Google slide presentation or order it from the Ministry of Education.

There are clear cut, simple explanations demonstrating how algorithms work and encouraging students to create their own versions.

Teacher support material and activities

The teacher support material (TSM) can be downloaded from TKI (Word and PDF files available).

There are three activities to help explore technology, mathematics and statistics, with extension ideas included.

• In Introducing algorithms lessons from Australia's Digital Technologies Hub, students design a sequence of steps for others to follow. They convey their instructions to peers and evaluate the work of others to determine if the outcome was successful.
• How many guesses? is part of a series of teaching and learning activities from CS Unplugged. This one demonstrates an algorithm called the 'sequential search'.
• See the Code Club Aotearoa’s website to find a coding club near you and see if a volunteer could come and run a session. Other possible useful contacts could be your local high school or college, tertiary institution or technology business.