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Dance Off

By Beth Tooley 45 minutes
Level
Grades 1-3
Subjects
English Language Arts,
Physical Education
components
  • Programming
  • Technology and Society
Tools & Languages
Unplugged

Key Coding Concepts

  • Algorithms
  • Sequences

Terminology

Algorithm Thinking 

a step-by-step set of operations to be performed to help solve a problem.

 

Sequences

Identifying a series of steps necessary to complete a task.

Students will participate in a ScratchJr Dance-off Competition to learn the basics of algorithms and sequence.

Prerequisites

It would be beneficial for students to have had some previous experience using ScratchJr.

Materials

  • Paper, scissors and glue

Before the lesson…

  • For each group, print off ScratchJr blocks.
  • Put the students in groups of 4 or 5.
  • Explain that they are semi-finalists at a Dance-Off Competition. They must do the performance of a lifetime to win the trophy!

Each group will receive a ScratchJr blocks sheet.

They must cut out and organize their blocks to create a dance sequence. Students should think of a song that would go with their sequence. They should also practice the moves that are laid out in the sequence.

Each group will now perform their dance to the music.

The winner will be determined by all of the children clapping for their favourite performance (or invite a host judge to determine the winner).

A wrap-up discussion will touch on the importance using all of the commands and having them in the right sequence.

Students will gain a practical understanding of scratch commands and sequencing.

Follow-up activity: In smaller groups, the children use Scratch cards to create their own dances for another group to perform. Students will give the other group their Scratch card sequencing directions.

Additional Coding Resources & Activities:

English:

  • Journal prompt: How does dancing make you feel? What is your favourite dance move and why?
  • As a class, research how dance is unique in different cultures.
    (Resource: bit.ly/dance-off-resource)

Data (Ownership & Governance) & Technology and Society (Identify strategies to protect one’s data and identity online):

  • This is a really good article about TikTok Statistics with use of data infographics. Have a basic class discussion about how this information is gathered.
  • Look at TikTok’s data use policies & stats. Why are privacy settings important? Why should you ask your parents before you download an app?

Data (AI & Machine Learning): Discuss this article. Do you think robots could replace humans as fans? Why or why not?

ScratchJr blocks
https://www.scratchjr.org/assessments/block-labels.png

Students can also use Scratch to create their own dance:
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/editor/?tip_bar=dance

Coding for All Scratch and Dance Workshops
http://scratched.gse.harvard.edu/stories/coding-all-dance-and-scratch-workshops

Let’s Dance: Scratch Educator Guide
https://resources.scratch.mit.edu/www/guides/en/DanceGuide.pdf

14 Ways to Dance Around the World
https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/arts-and-culture/photos/dance-around-the-world-photos

10 TIKTOK STATISTICS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN 2020 [INFOGRAPHIC]
https://www.oberlo.com/blog/tiktok-statistics

Parents' Ultimate Guide to TikTok
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-tiktok

Meet ‘Pepper’ and ‘Spot’: Dancing robots replace fans at Japanese baseball game
https://globalnews.ca/news/7201225/dancing-robots-japan-baseball-game/

Teach lessons that are tied to your existing curriculum! https://bit.ly/CLClessons

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