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Computing

Do It Better: Improving Algorithms for Efficiency

Overview

Students explore how there can be multiple ways to complete a task and some are more efficient than others.

Learning Objective
Students understand that algorithms can be improved to be more efficient.

Resources needed

  • No materials required
  • Optional: simple tasks

Lesson stages

0 / 10 done
  1. 1 Introduce idea of improving instructions.
  2. 2 Give a simple task (e.g. collect items).
  3. 3 Students create a basic algorithm.
  4. 4 Discuss time and effort.
  5. 5 Students improve their algorithm.
  6. 6 Compare versions.
  7. 7 Discuss what changed.
  8. 8 Introduce idea of efficiency.
  9. 9 Students apply improvements to new tasks.
  10. 10 Reflect on best methods.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Time different approaches.
  • Use movement tasks.
  • Compare group solutions.
More information

Teach: improve, efficient, faster, better, method. Use frames: 'This is better because…'.

Use simple tasks or actions.

Can students improve algorithms? Can they explain efficiency?

Fully unplugged.

Students may think first solution is always best.

Efficiency is important in programming and problem-solving.

Activity details
Primary Medium 25 minutes no prep Pairs, Small Group Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Algorithms Efficiency Optimization Logic