Learning intention
- To fix algorithms by using logical thinking.
Success criteria
- I can look at each command
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Cambridge Primary Computing (0059) Learning objectives
Computational Thinking
1CT.01 Follow the steps
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Tell learners they will practise using commands to make an algorithm. Show the Presentation: Face drawing. Ask learners to help you drag and drop the commands to create an algorithm for drawing a smiley face. Working in pairs, learners discuss how to order the commands.
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Differentiation
Learners needing support:
- Could focus on one key skill (e.g. looking for what is missing) while they are checking the algorithms.
- Could read each command aloud with a partner to check if it makes sense before deciding whether it is correct or needs fixing.
Learners working at a stretch:
- Should explain their methodology for spotting and correcting mistakes during the Main event, justifying why their approach is effective.
- Could create a completely new set of instructions (not using the banana example), deliberately include an error and then challenge a partner to debug them.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Learners with secure understanding can:
- Look carefully through instructions one command at
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Vocabulary definitions
-
algorithm
A set of clear step-by-step instructions to solve a problem or complete a task.
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command
One instruction that tells a computer or robot what to do.
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In this unit
Lesson 1: Command games
Lesson 2: Computing commands
Lesson 3: Following an algorithm
Lesson 4: Creating algorithms
Lesson 5: Fixing algorithms
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 30th December, 2025
Lesson 2: Computing commands
Exploring how we use commands to tell computers what to do.
Lesson 1: Command games
Exploring computing commands through playing and creating games.
Lesson 3: Following an algorithm
Developing an understanding that algorithms are made of ordered commands by exploring and following them...
Lesson 4: Creating algorithms
Learning that clear, carefully ordered algorithms lead to successful outcomes.
