Teacher guide · Think Lab · Harder · about 30 min

🤖 Algorithms and Debugging

Pupils practise problem solving and creativity through "Algorithms and Debugging": Write clear instructions, then hunt the bug.

Lesson guide

1. Hook · 5 min
Show the 🤖 mission title and read the opening: "Put the algorithm for making toast in order.". Take three quick guesses.
2. Model · 5 min
Think aloud through the first step together. Use Cog the Owl's line as your prompt: "Good thinking. Show me the why."
3. Do · 10 min
Pairs work through the 4 steps on screen or on the printed sheet. Circulate and ask "why?"
4. Discuss · 10 min
Use two or three of the discussion questions. Ask pairs to share different answers, not just correct ones.
5. Reflect · 5 min
Exit ticket: one sentence on how they used problem solving today.

What was the hardest choice in "Algorithms and Debugging", and why?
A robot must reach the door but keeps hitting a wall. What's the bug — explain your reasoning to a partner.
Write instructions for brushing teeth, as if for a robot that knows nothing — explain your reasoning to a partner.
Where could you use problem solving outside school this week?
If you did this again, what would you change?

Support: Read prompts aloud, pair with a confident partner, and accept spoken or drawn answers for writing steps.

Stretch: Set the Challenge tier (1 extra steps) and ask pupils to justify every answer in writing.

Pupil sheet

Name: ____________________ Date: __________

1. Put the algorithm for making toast in order.
___ Get bread
___ Put bread in toaster
___ Switch it on
___ Take toast out
___ Wait
2. A robot must reach the door but keeps hitting a wall. What's the bug?
☐ A step is in the wrong order
☐ The robot is broken
☐ The door is locked
3. Match the word to its meaning.
Algorithm → ________________
Bug → ________________
Debug → ________________
Loop → ________________
4. Write instructions for brushing teeth, as if for a robot that knows nothing.