Hour of Code - Introduction to Computer Programming
Lesson duration is: 60 minIntroduction
Instructions
Items in this lesson
Welcome to this lesson on the Hour of Code!
Demystifying computer science starts by stripping away syntax anxiety and letting students experience the immediate logic of problem-solving. This session frames the Hour of Code around accessible algorithmic concepts, giving learners a low-stakes environment to test, debug, and build confidence with foundational programming ideas.
Learning objectives page!
As this page is quite text heavy you can artificially pause the animation so it can read more easily should you or your learners require it.
An information slide - you could start a discussion from here!
Framing software development as a creative tool for solving real-world problems helps demystify abstract algorithms and anchors student motivation from the outset.
Stretch: Challenge students to identify one daily digital tool they currently use and outline the underlying problem the developers originally set out to solve.
Device-Free: Have students complete a quick pair-share, giving them 30 seconds each to verbally pitch their project idea and explain who would benefit from using it.
Have you ever tried to code?
Yes
No
A little
A very simple poll! It may stimulate some extra discussion. Added a spinner to pick a learner if you need to!
Gauging prior programming exposure instantly maps out class confidence levels and informs strategic peer-pairing before diving into practical coding tasks.
Stretch: Have experienced students name a specific tool or language they have encountered, while asking complete beginners to share one common myth or misconception they hold about coding.
Device-Free: Conduct a quick thumbs-up, thumbs-down, or hands-raised tally to capture class consensus in seconds.
Laying out the fundamental definition of programming establishes a clear mental model, showing students how human logic translates into precise, step-by-step instructions that computers execute without ambiguity.
Stretch: Challenge students to write a strict, step-by-step algorithm for a simple everyday task (like pouring a glass of water) and identify where vague wording could cause a machine to fail.
Device-Free: Have a student volunteer act as a "robot" that executes literal commands given by the class, illustrating how machines lack implicit context and rely entirely on exact code.
Click on the hotspots to reveal more information (and animation)
You may wish to add more information depending on the level of your learners!
Distilling core programming constructs like loops, variables, and conditionals into clear, digestible principles gives students the conceptual anchor they need before writing functional code.
Stretch: Ask students to identify a real-life process—such as a traffic light cycle—and specify which basic programming concept governs its behaviour.
Device-Free: Distribute index cards with core coding concept definitions and have students work in pairs to match them with everyday non-digital analogies.
It's Burgerbot! Burgerbot was created with LessonUp's AI image generator.
The activity is on the next slide.
Enter your question here
Requiring students to sequence Burgerbot's commands tests their understanding of algorithmic order, highlighting how misordered instructions lead to execution errors in automated systems.
Stretch: Challenge students to identify a single step in the sequence that, if moved or omitted, would cause a catastrophic logic failure in the robot's execution.
Device-Free: Distribute physical command cards to student groups and have them physically arrange and walk through the sequence step-by-step to test its logic offline.
This is just for fun.....and to showcase Burgerbot junior!
There is a serious point here - both are AI images.....I also animated Burgerbot Jnr...this all requires code!
This is deliberately blank - you can add your own links to either internal organisation materials you have or external websites.
What surprised you about coding?
Prompting students to reflect on unexpected aspects of programming helps solidify new mental models while dismantling pre-conceived notions about how software is built.
Stretch: Ask students to identify one aspect of coding they initially expected to be difficult that turned out to be surprisingly straightforward, and explain why.
Device-Free: Have students write their single biggest takeaway on a sticky note and post it on the classroom door as they leave.
We hope you enjoyed this lesson. Expert to see Burgerbot and Burgerbot Jnr again........