Lesson 3: Programs and Algorithms

Understand the basic concepts of “program” and “algorithm”: Help students understand that a program is a series of instructions, while an algorithm is a step-by-step method for solving a problem.
Learn simple program logic: Through interactions and small games, students will be able to write a simple set of instructions to achieve a specific goal.
Develop problem-solving skills: By designing and optimizing algorithms for small tasks, students will exercise their logical thinking and innovation abilities.

Real-life Introduction: Ask students: “If you were to teach a robot how to brush its teeth, what steps would you tell it to follow?” Use this example to introduce the concepts of “program” and “algorithm.”
Initial Definition: Explain that a program is a collection of instructions, while an algorithm is the step-by-step process of solving a problem. Simply put, a program tells the computer “what to do,” while an algorithm tells the computer “how to solve the problem.”

What is a Program? (10 minutes)
- Basic Components of a Program: Explain in simple terms that a program contains instructions that are executed in sequence.
- Mini-Game: Instruction Relay: Divide students into groups. Each group needs to give instructions to a “robot” (which can be played by a student) to complete a task, such as walking to a specific location in the classroom. Through this game, students experience writing and executing instructions.
What is an Algorithm? (10 minutes)
- The Meaning of an Algorithm: Use familiar examples (like how to fold paper or clean a room) to explain that an algorithm is a step-by-step method for solving a problem.
- Optimizing an Algorithm: Present a simple problem, such as “how to find the largest number in a pile of numbers,” and guide students to design different methods and discuss which one is simpler and faster.
The Relationship Between Algorithms and Programs (5 minutes)
- Summary: An algorithm is the core of a program. Every program contains one or more algorithms to accomplish different tasks.
- Analogy: A program can be compared to a complete recipe, while an algorithm is the specific steps in the recipe. This helps students understand that an algorithm is part of a program, but a program may contain multiple algorithms.

Activity Description: Have students work in groups to design a simple program, such as making a “robot” navigate a maze within a specified number of steps. They need to write a set of instructions and design a reasonable algorithm to ensure the “robot” can complete the task accurately.
Sharing and Discussion: Each group presents their solution, encouraging peer learning and feedback among students.

Summary of Course Content: Review the basic concepts of programs and algorithms and their relationship. Encourage students to think about how to use steps and logic to solve problems in their daily lives.
Q&A Session: Answer students’ questions and encourage them to observe examples of programs and algorithms in their daily lives after class.

Robot Prop: A toy robot or a student playing the role can be used to help students experience the process of writing instructions.
Whiteboard and Markers: To draw the path for the instruction relay game and the maze task.
Learning Cards: Design small examples of programs and algorithms for students to practice after class.

Home Task: Have students try to write a “morning routine program,” listing the steps they think are reasonable.
Thinking Task: Ask students to think about and record which life scenarios could be completed more efficiently using an “algorithm” and be prepared to share in the next class.