Author: Katie Rich

In this activity, you'll build shapes and think about patterns. Shapes and TurnsDownload Materials: Toothpicks (or you can use paper clips, straws, or other thin objects that are the same length) Directions: Take three toothpicks and make a triangle. Then take four toothpicks and make a square. Compare the two shapes. Pay attention to their angles. Which shape’s angles are smaller?  Imagine you are small enough to walk along the toothpicks. Imagine yourself walking along each of your shapes. Picture yourself coming to a corner and making a turn. For which shape did you have to turn farther?  Now tilt the sides of your square a bit to the side, so they are not vertical. What do you notice about the angles now? Where are the smaller angles and where…

This activity will engage you in some computational thinking using just paper and pencil! Drawing from DirectionsDownload Materials: Pencil and paper; a partner or two to try your directions Directions: Draw a simple line design. There are samples below. You can make adjustments to your interests or your desired level of challenge. Write directions for how someone else could draw your design without looking at it first. If it helps, you can decompose the design into parts and focus on writing directions for one part at a time. Computer scientists decompose problems all the time! When you are finished writing directions, ask a family member to follow your directions. Don’t show them your design!  Check out the drawing your partner made from your directions. Does it look like you expected?…