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🤖 What Is an Algorithm?

Maya and Robbie building a LEGO castle by following an algorithm, step by step

Meet Maya & Robbie! 🧱

Maya and Robbie were building a LEGO castle. Robbie looked at the pile of bricks and scratched his head.

Robbie "Maya, how do we know what to do first?"
Maya "Easy! We follow steps. First, find the big blocks. Next, stack them. Then, add the windows. Finally, put the flag on top!"

Robbie clapped his hands.

Robbie "So an algorithm is just a list of steps to solve a problem — like building our castle!"
Maya "Exactly! Computers use algorithms too. They follow steps to play games, show videos, or even help us do math."
Robbie "So algorithms are like recipes for computers!" 🍪
✨ In short: An algorithm is a set of clear steps that help us (and computers) solve problems.

🗺️ Try It Yourself: The Treasure Map Game!

Now it's your turn to think in steps! Grab a friend and try Maya and Robbie's favourite algorithm game — one of you gives the instructions, and the other follows them, one step at a time, to find the treasure.

🏴‍☠️ Algorithm Adventure: Follow the Treasure Map!

Follow the Treasure Map algorithm game with step-by-step instruction cards

One child gives the instructions (go forward, turn left, go to the tree, over the bridge...). The other child follows the steps in order to reach the treasure. Mix up the steps and see what happens — that's how you learn why order matters in an algorithm!

Download & Print the Game

🚀 Think Like a Computer!

The next time you tie your shoes, brush your teeth, or follow a recipe, ask yourself:

"What are the steps, and what order do they go in?"

That's the beginning of thinking like a programmer! 👩🏾‍💻🤖

⭐ Robbie's Coding Tip

Every big project is just small steps, done in order!

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