Unplugged Coding Ideas Your Students Will Love

STEM and STEAM learning have been a huge hit for kids over the past decade. But, sometimes teachers don’t feel like they have the resources available to dive into the technology aspect of STEM activities. Coding is a big part of my STEM curriculum and it’s something my kiddos look forward to. However, it’s not always easy to get access to devices like laptops or tablets for your students to use. That’s where unplugged coding comes in! I can easily and thoroughly expose my students to coding with some simple screen-free activities they absolutely love! I am really excited to share some unplugged coding ideas you can try in your classroom today.

What is Coding?

The word “coding” is short for computer programming. However, coding doesn’t have to be all about computers. Coding is actually just creating a set of instructions that must be completed in order to finish a task. So, when I use unplugged coding activities in my classroom, we focus more on coding than technology. It’s a great kid-friendly way to introduce my students to the process of coding in a fun and engaging way they love.

Do you Want to Build a Sandcastle?

One of my favorite unplugged coding activities is How to Code a Sandcastle. It’s a great way to teach students how to break up large activities into a series of smaller steps. After all, that’s what coding is all about.

Set Your Students up for Success With a PBL Entry Event

If you are a fan of Project Based Learning, this is an excellent opportunity to combine STEM and PBL in one incredible unit!

I start by bringing in some sand that’s easily found at your local home improvement store.

Then, I set up stations with large aluminum trays about half full of sand. Think Thanksgiving turkey-sized roasting pans. Next, it’s time to add a little water. This is easily done with spray bottles just before your students come into the room.

When my kiddos come in and see the sand, there is always lots of excitement. Without going into too much detail, I break up the class into groups of 3 or 4 and ask them to work collaboratively to build a sandcastle.

After a set amount of time, I ask students to reflect on the process. I may ask groups to volunteer to describe what worked and what difficulties they had.

How Does Building a Sandcastle Relate to Coding?

Next, it’s time to work together to list the steps necessary to build a sandcastle. It’s wonderful to see students really reflecting on the process of building a sand castle and breaking it down into small chunks. This is where the ah-ha moment comes in. I tell my students that they have just created their very own code!

Whether or not your students have been exposed to the concept of coding, this is the perfect opportunity to whip out your vocabulary posters.

Feel free to show this video to your students to help them understand what coding is. Although this video includes some fun coding apps and games, it also provides a good foundation into coding to get your students started.

Literacy and Unplugged Coding, the Perfect Combo

You know how much I love to pair books with my STEM activities and unplugged coding activities are no exception.

After our class discussion, I engage my students with a read-aloud of How to Code a Sandcastle by Josh Funk.

Then, it’s time for students to use the worksheets to list the steps necessary to complete a code for building a sandcastle.

The goal of the Code a Sandcastle activity is for students to understand how to create an algorithm and give specific directions on how to complete an activity.

This hands-on activity is a great way to teach students how to program and code without using a device. That’s a screen-free win in my book!

More Unplugged Coding Ideas

It’s peanut butter and jelly time! This may be one of the most hilarious and engaging activities you do with your students. And, it’s sure to be one they talk about for a long time.

Unplugged Coding Special Guest Star

To kick off your unplugged coding build a peanut butter and jelly sandwich activity, invite a special guest to join your class. I suggest getting a principal, custodian, or other school rockstars to be your “assistant” for this activity.

Begin by telling your class that this special guest really needs their help with something important today. Then, have your special guest tell your class that they have no idea how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. There are sure to be squeals of laughter because your students will know this is something simple ANYONE should be able to do.

Depending on your school policy regarding nuts in the classroom you can either bring in the ingredients or use printed and laminated visuals your special guest can use to “build” their sandwich.

Details are Key

This activity is easy to do in small groups or as a whole class depending on the amount of time you want to spend on it. Ask students to write down all the steps required to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich within a specific amount of time.

Then, pass the instructions to your special guest and ask them to read the directions out loud as they build their sandwich. Remind your guest to follow the directions exactly as they are written. You will get a lot of instructions like, “Put down two pieces of bread.” or “Rub peanut butter on the bread.” Your special guest should take these instructions literally and can put the bread on the floor and rub the peanut butter container on the bread bag.

Your students will think this is the most hilarious activity! But, it’s actually helping them to understand how important even the smallest details are.

After several failed attempts by our special guest, I ask my students to try writing their instructions a second time. Now, the special guest will have very specific instructions and be able to build the perfect peanut butter sandwich.

And guess what? Your students just created their very own algorithm to code a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Success!

Be sure to get some candid photos of this fun activity to use in your school yearbook. And, thank your special guest with a round of applause.

PB&J Unplugged Coding Sheets

Now, it’s time for your students to use the PB&J coding sheets. Your students will use symbols to visually represent the steps required to build a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Then, your students will use arrows to create an algorithm that moves through the steps in order from start to finish. At the bottom of the worksheet, students will record their directions.

I like to follow up the worksheet activity by asking students to trade with a partner. Then, they can follow the algorithm to create a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s a fun way to incorporate some collaborative learning.

Take it Home

For even more fun, ask your students to try this activity with their families when they go home. They can plan out and help make a meal by coding the steps with a family member. It’s a fun way to have students show off their learning with their families.

It’s also a great way to enhance the connection between everyday activities and coding. And, the best part is… there is NO technology required!

Getting Started With Unplugged Coding Activities

Not sure where to begin with unplugged coding activities? I have just the thing for you! The Hour of Code Unplugged Coding Starter BUNDLE has everything you need to get started with coding in your classroom.

In addition to the sandcastle and peanut butter and jelly sandwich activities, this bundle includes vocabulary posters, coding crowns, certificates, and links to fun projects. You will find both unplugged and tech-friendly activities your students will love! Grab this exciting resource and start coding with your students today!

For more fun and engaging unplugged coding ideas check out the Miss Tech Queen TPT store!

If you are looking for even more fun and engaging STEM and coding activities for your students this year, be sure to sign up for the Miss Tech Queen’s Tool Box! Let me help you with tools and strategies for implementing digital projects, using new technology, and creating engaging projects for your students this year.

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