Are you introducing computer science to your elementary students? This maze activity teaches algorithms and the importance of step-by-step instructions.

Students help a character complete tasks on a grid, followed by writing a program.

Students sequence the steps associated with Martin Luther King Jr. and are introduced to algorithms and coding. Great for use with Hour of Code™.

Standards Alignment

CSTA

• K-2 1A-AP-08 Model daily processes by creating and following algorithms (sets of step-by-step instructions) to complete tasks.
• K-2 1A-AP-09 Develop programs with sequences and simple loops, to express ideas or address a problem.
• 3-5 1B-AP-15 Test and debug (identify and fix errors) a program or algorithm to ensure it runs as intended.

Math

• 5.G.A Graph points on the coordinate plane to solve real-world and mathematical problems.

NGSS

• 3-5-ETS1-2 Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

This resource is similar to my Free Robot Maze

Content

• Forty Martin Luther King Jr. Grids
  • Ten boy pick up firecrackers and go to the Dragon
  • Ten boy pick up firecrackers,jump over fish, and go to the Dragon
  • Ten girl pick up coin and go to the red envelope
  • Ten girl pick up the coin jump lantern and go to the red envelope

• Blank grid with cut-and-paste sheet for student grid creation
• Three versions of the program sheet (teachers can introduce loops)
• Floor tiles for class discussion and debugging
• Black and white versions of all colored pages