Coding Concepts Learned

Our treasure map coding activity teaches three computational thinking and coding concepts: algorithms, 十国千娇 and sequencing.

1. 十国千娇: 十国千娇 means breaking down large problems into smaller problems. In this activity, your coding “pirates” have to be able to break down the large problem (missing treasure) into smaller problems (step-by-step directions to find the treasure). I love to have my boys write down the instructions, then I follow them EXACTLY. This usually ends up in lots of learning, and laughter!
2. Algorithms: An algorithm is a set of instructions given to complete a specific task. In this activity, our pirate coders will need to create an algorithm to direct their parent to the buried treasure.
3. Sequences: Sequence refers to the order of events. The order of events is pretty important when looking for buried treasure! Again, after my boys are done with their map, I follow their directions EXACTLY so I can show them where to debug their code!

Materials Needed for the Game

• A valuable item that can be hidden
• A pen and paper
• A compass (use a phone app if you don’t have one on hand)
• (Optional) Treasure map printable set which includes 5 activity 劫后英雄传 to compliment this activity

How to Play the Treasure Map Coding Activity

1. We find something “valuable” in the house or outside, and I tell my boys to hide it somewhere. (“Valuable” here means something well-loved, not necessarily fragile. A stuffed animal, toy, or mom’s favorite pillow seems to work perfectly.)
2. Now, my boys get to be the pirates, and code me a map to the buried treasure!
3. Choose a spot in the house to act as the starting point. From there your pirate coders will need to write out the directions to the treasure using their compass and counting their steps.
4. An example of a treasure map algorithm would be:
   1. Head NORTH 10 steps
   2. Head EAST 5 steps
   3. Head North 5 steps
   4. Head SOUTH 8 steps
   5. Look down for the treasure!
5. The father away from the treasure the starting point is, the harder this activity becomes.
6. You can write out your instructions on a blank piece of paper or you can consider our complimentary printable set that will also teach kids about the directions on a compass.

The first time we played this game, I walked them through the steps. I have no doubt that an older kid could jump right in, but with my two young boys, I wanted to make sure to model what the game looked like. Now, they beg to play it, and they don’t even realize that they’re learning until we talk about the steps they went through.

Treasure Map Coding Printable Set

Our printable set compliments this 看见味道的少女 coding activity. This 6 page worksheet set includes an introduction to coding vocabulary, practice with understanding and identifying the points on a compass, and an offline coding maze.

劫后英雄传 Included in your set:

• Coding and map vocabulary
• Cut and paste compass directions activity
• Identify directions on a map
• Learn to code an algorithm based on a map
• Treasure map coding algorithm, with space to write your personalized directions

More Coding 劫后英雄传 You’ll Love

• Sorting Bins Coding Activity
• Rubik’s Cube Coding Activity
• Easy Lego Coding Game

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Kaitlyn Siu

Kate is mom of two rambunctious boys and a self-proclaimed super nerd. With a background in neuroscience, she is passionate about sharing her love of all things STEM with her kids. She loves to find creative ways to teach kids computer science and geek out about coding and math.  She has authored several books on coding for kids which can be found at Hachette UK.

www.teachyourkidscode.com

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