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Algorithms & Sequencing

Fifth graders learn that an algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions — and that the ORDER of the steps (the sequence) matters — the foundation of all computer programming.

Grade 5Programming40 minutes1 class periodUse → Modify → CreateExplicit teaching4 StandardsCSTA
Start the Lesson
Lesson at a Glance

Everything you need before the bell rings

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to…

  • ✓Define an algorithm.
  • ✓Explain sequencing.
  • ✓Put steps in order.
  • ✓Write a simple algorithm.
Essential Question

Computers are powerful, but they can only do exactly what we tell them, in exactly the right order. What is an algorithm — and why does the sequence of steps matter so much?

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Lesson Phases
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Vocabulary Terms
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Standards Aligned
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Interactive Task
Put in Order · Interactive

Order the Algorithm

Project this and have students put the steps of the “make a sandwich” algorithm in the right order — sequence matters!

🥪 Put the sandwich algorithm in order!Try it
Tap the first step!
The Lesson · Use → Modify → Create (a coding progression with Unplugged practice)

40 minutes, five moves

Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.

1

Hook — Exact Instructions

5 min

Computers do EXACTLY what we say, in order — what happens if the steps are mixed up?

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Give a silly out-of-order instruction.
  • Ask what went wrong.
  • Set the goal.

🎒 Student Actions

  • See the mix-up.
  • Wonder why.
  • Predict order matters.
2

Unplugged — Unplug It

10 min

Students practice.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Write a sandwich algorithm together.
  • Test the order.
  • Fix a wrong step.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Write steps.
  • Test order.
  • Fix it.
3

Use — Order the Algorithm

10 min

Students use the tool.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Send students to Order the Algorithm.
  • Put steps in sequence.
  • Note the order.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Order them.
  • Note sequence.
  • Explain it.
4

Modify — Change It

10 min

Students modify.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Swap two steps.
  • See what breaks.
  • Explain why order matters.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Swap steps.
  • See it break.
  • Explain it.
5

Create — Create

5 min

Students conclude.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Write their own algorithm.
  • Test the order.
  • Complete the exit ticket.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Write one.
  • Test it.
  • Complete the exit ticket.
Standards Alignment

Built to the standards you report on

Aligned to the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards and ISTE Standards for Students.

CSTA
1B-AP-08

Compare and refine multiple algorithms for the same task.

CSTA
1B-AP-10

Create programs that use sequences to express ideas.

CSTA
1B-AP-11

Decompose problems into smaller, named parts.

ISTE
5

Computational Thinker — break problems into steps.

Differentiation

One lesson, every learner

Multilingual Learners

ELL / EMERGING READERS
  • Step picture cards.
  • Sentence frame: “First ___, then ___.”
  • Act out the steps.

Support & Access

IEP / 504
  • Start with 3 steps.
  • Order two at a time.
  • Use pictures.

Stretch & Extend

GIFTED / EARLY FINISHERS
  • Write a longer algorithm.
  • Find a mistake in an algorithm.
  • Code a sequence.
Materials

What to gather

  • 📽️Projector / board
  • 🥪Sandwich-step cards
  • 💻Order the Algorithm
  • 📋Step strips
  • ✏️Pencils
  • 🎫Exit-ticket slips
Vocabulary

Key terms — hover for a quick definition

algorithma set of step-by-step instructionssequencethe order of stepsstepone instructioninstructiona command to followprograma set of coded instructionsorderwhich step comes firstinputinformation you giveoutputthe result
Evaluate

Exit Ticket

Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.

QUESTION 1
What is an algorithm?
A set of step-by-step instructions to complete a task.
QUESTION 2
Why does the order (sequence) of steps matter?
Because a computer follows steps exactly — the wrong order gives the wrong result.
QUESTION 3
Write the first step of a “brush your teeth” algorithm.
Sample: “Get your toothbrush,” then “put toothpaste on it.”

Create: your own algorithm.

Have students write a clear, step-by-step algorithm for an everyday task (like tying a shoe) and test it by following it exactly. A printable algorithms sheet is in the Computer Science library.

Study · Flashcards

Study the key terms

Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.

🃏 Algorithms & SequencingFlip
Card 1
Term
Tap to flip →
Meaning
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Nice work!

Practice · Quiz

Check your understanding

A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.

📝 Algorithms & SequencingQuiz
Score: 0
1 / 6
Question 1
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Nice work!

Practice · Worksheet

Printable worksheet

A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.

🖨️ Algorithms & SequencingPrint
Name: ________________________
Date: ____________

Part A · Write the word that matches each meaning

Word bank: algorithm, input, instruction, order, output, program, sequence, step
  1. one instruction
  2. the order of steps
  3. the result
  4. a set of step-by-step instructions
  5. a set of coded instructions
  6. information you give
  7. a command to follow
  8. which step comes first

Part B · Show what you learned

  1. What is an algorithm?
  2. Why does the order (sequence) of steps matter?
  3. Write the first step of a “brush your teeth” algorithm.
Answer key — Part A: 1) step · 2) sequence · 3) output · 4) algorithm · 5) program · 6) input · 7) instruction · 8) order
Part B: 1) A set of step-by-step instructions to complete a task. 2) Because a computer follows steps exactly — the wrong order gives the wrong result. 3) Sample: “Get your toothbrush,” then “put toothpaste on it.”