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Puzzles Track

Understanding algorithms and coding concepts through puzzle activities.

61c2a320f724f784feb1b865_stream-light50 minutes; can be taught 1x/month, 2-3x/month, or 4x/month

3th Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
Unit
Semester
Year
Launch Pad
  • Course Summary
  • Course Outline
  • Standard Alignment
  • Course Project

Students learn how to create algorithms and gain a fundamental understanding of coding concepts through puzzle programming.

6701a7adc252f8cb38554808_Screenshot 2024-10-05 at 2.54.23 PM-p-2000

 

  • PT1.1 What is an Algorithm?

    Learning Outcomes:

    In this lesson, students will be introduced to what algorithms are.

    Topics covered:

    Algorithms

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15

  • PT1.2 Sequencing and Algorithms

    Learning Outcomes:

    This lesson shows how sequencing works with algorithms. Students learn how to build their own algorithm!

    Topics covered:

    Algorithms

    Sequencing

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15,1B-CS-01,1B-CS-02

  • PT1.3 Debugging and Troubleshooting

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students will learn about and practice debugging effectively in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Troubleshooting

    Debugging

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-15,1B-CS-03

  • PT1.4 Events

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn how to use an event in their code.

    Topics covered:

    Events

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15,1B-CS-01,1B-NI-04

  • PT1.5 Variables

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn how to use variables in their program.

    Topics covered:

    Variables

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-15,1B-IC-19,1B-IC-20,

  • PT1.6 Conditionals

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn how to program conditionals in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Conditionals

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15,1B-NI-05

  • PT1.7 Loops

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students will practice programming loops.

    Topics covered:

    Repeat loop

    Loops

    While loop

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15,1B-IC-18

  • PT1.8 Build Your Own Puzzle

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students practice the design process and program their own unique puzzle

    Topics covered:

    Design Process

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-17

  • PT1.9 Data

    Learning Outcomes:

    In this lesson, students learn about collecting and analyzing data.

    Topics covered:

    Local data

    Remote data

    Data

    Standard alignment:

    1B-DA-06,1B-DA-07

  • PT1.10 Copyright and the Public Domain

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about copyright and the public domain in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Copyright

    Public doamin

    Creative commons

    Image Usage

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-14,1B-IC-21

  • PT1.11 Team Project

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students work with a team to build a unique puzzle. Combining all they have learned about programming puzzles.

    Topics covered:

    Algorithms

    Events

    Variables

    Conditionals

    Sequencing

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-14,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-16,1B-AP-17

  • PT2.1 Hardware and Software

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students review the different parts of a computer and software in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Hardware

    Software

    Standard alignment:

    1B-CS-01,1B-CS-02

  • PT2.2 Troubleshoting

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn various ways to troubleshoot computer issues when they arise.

    Topics covered:

    Troubleshooting

    Standard alignment:

    1B-CS-03

  • PT2.3 Computer Systems and the Internet

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students will learn about computers as systems working together to share information.

    Topics covered:

    Internet Safety

    Network

    Wired and wireless network

    LAN and WAN

    Standard alignment:

    1B-CS-01,1B-CS-02,1B-NI-04

  • PT2.4 What is an Algorithm?

    Learning Outcomes:

    In this lesson, students will be introduced to what algorithms are.

    Topics covered:

    Algorithms

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15

  • PT2.5 Sequencing and Algorithms

    Learning Outcomes:

    This lesson shows how sequencing works with algorithms. Students learn how to build their own algorithm!

    Topics covered:

    Algorithms

    Sequencing

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15

  • PT2.6 Build Your Own Puzzle

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students practice the design process and program their own unique puzzle

    Topics covered:

    Design Process

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-17,1B-CS-03

  • PT2.7 Events

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn how to use an event in their code.

    Topics covered:

    Events

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-17

  • PT2.8 Build Your Own: Events

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students practice building their own unique puzzle using events.

    Topics covered:

    Events

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-17

  • PT2.9 Accessibility and Improving Artifacts

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about accessibility and improving programming for usability in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Accessibility

    Standard alignment:

    1B-IC-19,1B-IC-20,1B-AP-13

  • PT2.10 Variables

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn how to use variables in their program.

    Topics covered:

    Variables

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15

  • PT2.11 Build Your Own: Variables

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students practice building their own unique puzzle using variables.

    Topics covered:

    Variables

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-17

  • PT2.12 Internet Safety and Cybersecurity

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn tips on how to be safe on the internet and protect their personal information in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Internet Safety

    Cybersecurity

    Passwords

    Standard alignment:

    1B-NI-05

  • PT2.13 Encryption and Decoding

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about and practice encryption and decoding in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Encryption

    Decoding

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-11,1B-NI-05

  • PT2.14 Conditionals

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn how to program conditionals in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Conditionals

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15

  • PT2.15 Build Your Own: Condtionals

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students practice conditionals and building their own unique puzzle in this lesson!

    Topics covered:

    Conditionals

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-17

  • PT2.16 Computers' Effect on Culture

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students examine how computers and technology have had an impact on culture.

    Topics covered:

    Computers' effect on learning

    Computers' effect on entertainment

    Computers' effect on communication

    Humans vs computers

    Standard alignment:

    1B-IC-18

  • PT2.17 Loops

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students will practice programming loops.

    Topics covered:

    Repeat loop

    While loop

    Loops

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15

  • PT2.18 Build Your Own: Loops

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students practice building their own unique puzzle using loops

    Topics covered:

    Loops

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-17

  • PT2.19 File Management

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about the different types of file extensions and managing files in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    File management

    File extensions

    Storage and data

    File sharing

    Standard alignment:

  • PT2.20 Data Practice

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about collecting and analyzing data.

    Topics covered:

    Local data

    Remote data

    Data

    Standard alignment:

    1B-DA-06,1B-DA-07

  • PT2.21 Copyright and the Public Domain

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about copyright and the public domain in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Copyright

    Public doamin

    Creative commons

    Image Usage

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-14,1B-IC-21

  • PT2.22 Team Project

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students work with a team to build a unique puzzle. Combining all they have learned about programming puzzles.

    Topics covered:

    Algorithms

    Events

    Variables

    Conditionals

    Sequencing

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-14,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-16,1B-AP-17

  • PT4.1 Hardware

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students review the different parts of a computer in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Hardware

    Internal hardware

    External hardware

    Standard alignment:

    1B-CS-01,1B-CS-02

  • PT4.2 Software

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students review the different software in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Software programs

    Standard alignment:

    1B-CS-01,1B-CS-02

  • PT4.3 Troubleshooting

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn various ways to troubleshoot computer issues when they arise!

    Topics covered:

    Troubleshooting

    Standard alignment:

    1B-CS-03

  • PT4.4 Computer Systems and the Internet

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students will learn about computers as systems working together to share information.

    Topics covered:

    Internet Safety

    Network

    Wired and wireless network

    LAN and WAN

    Standard alignment:

    1B-CS-01,1B-CS-02,1B-NI-04

  • PT4.5 What is an Algorithm?

    Learning Outcomes:

    In this lesson, students will be introduced to what algorithms are.

    Topics covered:

    Algorithms

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15

  • PT4.6 Sequencing and Algorithms

    Learning Outcomes:

    This lesson shows how sequencing works with algorithms. Students learn how to build their own algorithm!

    Topics covered:

    Algorithms

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15

  • PT4.7 Build Your Own Puzzle

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students practice the design process and program their own unique puzzle

    Topics covered:

    Design Process

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-17

  • PT4.8 Kindness

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about the valuable trait of kindness as a foundation for digital citizenship

    Topics covered:

    Kindness

    Standard alignment:

  • PT4.9 Cyberbullying

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about cyberbullying and how to stand up against it.

    Topics covered:

    Cyberbullying

    Standard alignment:

  • PT4.10 Events

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn how to use an event in their code.

    Topics covered:

    Events

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15

  • PT4.11 Build Your Own: Events

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students practice building their own unique puzzle using events.

    Topics covered:

    Events

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-17

  • PT4.12 Decision Making: Intent vs Impact

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about decision making and digital citizenship.

    Topics covered:

    Decision making

    Intent

    Impact

    Standard alignment:

  • PT4.13 Digital Footprint

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn how to have a positive and private footprint on the computer and internet.

    Topics covered:

    Digital Footprint

    Private infomration

    Cyberbuylling

    Standard alignment:

  • PT4.14 Variables

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn how to use variables in their program.

    Topics covered:

    Variables

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-15

  • PT4.15 Build Your Own: Variables

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students practice building their own unique puzzle using variables.

    Topics covered:

    Variables

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-17,,

  • PT4.16 Internet Safety and Cybersecurity

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn tips on how to be safe on the internet and protect their personal information in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Internet Safety

    Cybersecurity

    Passwords

    Standard alignment:

    1B-NI-05

  • PT4.17 Encryption and Decoding

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about and practice encryption and decoding in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Encryption

    Decoding

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-11,1B-NI-05

  • PT4.18 Conditionals

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn how to program conditionals in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Conditionals

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15

  • PT4.19 Build Your Own: Conditionals

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students practice conditionals and building their own unique puzzle in this lesson!

    Topics covered:

    Conditionals

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-17

  • PT4.20 Computers' Effect on Culture

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students examine how computers and technology have had an impact on culture.

    Topics covered:

    Computers' effect on learning

    Computers' effect on entertainment

    Computers' effect on communication

    Humans vs computers

    Standard alignment:

    1B-IC-18

  • PT4.21 Impacts of Computing

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about the impact computing technologies have.

    Topics covered:

    Positive impacts of computing

    Negative impacts of computing

    Standard alignment:

    1B-IC-18

  • PT4.22 Accessibility and Improving Artifacts

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about accessibility and improving programming for usability in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Accessibility

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-13,1B-IC-19,1B-IC-20

  • PT4.23 Loops

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students will practice programming loops.

    Topics covered:

    Repeat loop

    While loop

    Loops

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-15

  • PT4.24 Build Your Own: Loops

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students practice building their own unique puzzle using loops

    Topics covered:

    Loops

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-17,,

  • PT4.25 File Management

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about the different types of file extensions and managing files in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    File management

    File extensions

    Storage and data

    File sharing

    Standard alignment:

  • PT4.26 Data

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about collecting and analyzing data.

    Topics covered:

    Local data

    Remote data

    Data

    Standard alignment:

    1B-DA-06,1B-DA-07

  • PT4.27 Binary Data

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about binary data and how computers use the language to store information.

    Topics covered:

    Binary data

    Bits

    Bitmap

    Standard alignment:

    1B-DA-06,1B-DA-07

  • PT4.28 Effective Research Strategies

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn tips and tools for effective research in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Essential questions

    Keyword searches

    Reliable and Unreliable resources

    Standard alignment:

  • PT4.29 Copyright and the Public Domain

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students learn about copyright and the public domain in this lesson.

    Topics covered:

    Copyright

    Public doamin

    Creative commons

    Image Usage

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-14,1B-IC-21

  • PT4.30 Team Project

    Learning Outcomes:

    Students work with a team to build a unique puzzle. Combining all they have learned about programming puzzles.

    Topics covered:

    Algorithms

    Events

    Variables

    Conditionals

    Sequencing

    Standard alignment:

    1B-AP-08,1B-AP-09,1B-AP-10,1B-AP-11,1B-AP-12,1B-AP-13,1B-AP-14,1B-AP-15,1B-AP-16,1B-AP-17

Download the 2022 Skill Struck Standards Alignment + Correlation Guide to view a general list of our standard alignments, or find your state's specific alignment below:

General Standard Alignment

2022 Skill Struck Standards Alignment + Correlation Guide
Alabama

Alabama Course of Study Digital Literacy and CS Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Arizona

Arizona Computer Science Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Arkansas

Arkansas Computer Science and Computing Standards Middle School Introduction to Coding Standards + Skill Struck Alignment

Arkansas Computer Science and Computing Standards High School Programming + Skill Struck Alignment
California

California K-12 CS Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Florida

Florida Introduction to Computer Science 1 + Skill Struck Alignment

Florida Introduction to Computer Science 2 + Skill Struck Alignment
Georgia

Georgia Standards of Excellence for K-8 Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment
Idaho

Idaho Content Standards Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment
Illinois

Illinois Computer Science Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Indiana

Indiana K-12 Computer Science Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Iowa

Iowa Computer Science Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Kansas

Kansas CS Standards  P-12 + Skill Struck Alignment.
Kentucky

Kentucky Academic Standards for Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment
Maryland

Maryland K-12 CS Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Massachusetts

Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Michigan

Michigan K-12 Standards Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment
Mississippi

Mississippi College and Career Readiness standards for Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment
Missouri

Missouri K-12 Computer Science Performance Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Nebraska

Nebraska K-12 Technology Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Nevada

Nevada Computer Science Standards + Skill Struck Alignment

Nevada Academic Content Standards for Integrated Technology + Skill Struck Alignment

Nevada Academic Content Standards for CS + Skill Struck Alignment
New Jersey

New Jersey Computer Science and Design Thinking Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
New York

New York Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards K-12 + Skill Struck Alignment
North Carolina

North Carolina K-12 CS Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Ohio

Ohio's Learning Standards Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment
Oklahoma

Oklahoma Academic Standards for Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignment
Rhode Island

Rhode Island's K-12 CS Education Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
South Carolina

South Carolina Computer Science and Digital Literacy Standards + Skill Struck Alignment

South Carolina's Computer Science Standards for High School + Skill Struck Alignment
Tennessee

Tennessee K-12 Computer Science State Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Texas

TEKs Technology Applications K-8 Standards + Skill Struck Alignment

TEKs Skills for CTE + Skill Struck Alignment
Utah

Utah 6-12 CS Standards + Skill Struck Alignment

Utah K-5 CS Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Virginia

Virginia K-12 CS Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Washington

Washington K-12 CS State Learning Standards + Skill Struck Alignment
Wisconsin

Wisconsin Standards for Computer Science + Skill Struck Alignement
Wyoming

Wyoming Computer Science Content Standards + Skill Struck Alignment

Puzzles Track

In this course, students will complete challenges that will help them develop an understanding of creating algorithms through puzzle activities and practice their coding concepts.

build_your_own
completed

Projects in this course include: Build Your Own Puzzle and Team Puzzle

  •  6138fdaa60ba7b8b6c79ce53_puzzle-piece-light110 Student Activities
  • 6138fdcfe148a191f93d8f2d_chalkboard-teacher-light 36 Teacher Resources
  • 6138fde4e148a1577e3d8f39_check-circle-light 0 Checkpoints
  • 6138fde4e148a1577e3d8f39_check-circle-light 25 Pre/Post Test
  •   6138fe2661421a063f054097_ellipsis-v-alt-light125 Quiz Questions
  • 6138fe543782b870c5e7dda9_check-double-light Autograder
  • 6138fe84a460fa846c327dda_closed-captioning-light English and Spanish
Skill Struck Reviews
Star

Having a mapped out, structured way to learn and experience the Computer Science curriculum really freed up time for me to give students one-on-one attention. It also gave me more opportunities to give the students additional programming assignments to help them understand the concepts better.

Scott Couch
CS Teacher, Maeser Prep Academy
Star

The program and the people behind it are innovative, intelligent, and organized. The platform is very user-friendly and l have been able to guide my students easily through the curriculum.

Dillon Gilpin
High School CS Teacher, Duchesne County School District
Star

All of the content is fun and engaging for our students! Regarding the support and partnership, they are always on top of everything. Small issues are resolved quickly, and that is not typical with other EdTech companies.

Donna Woods
CTE Cyber Pathway Instructor, Moreno Valley United School District