This rocket ship decomposition unplugged coding activity is designed to teach kids the concept of decomposition and algorithms!
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What is Decomposition?
Decomposition is the process of breaking down large problems into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Programmers decompose code in order to make it more readable as well as reusable.
When you decompose, you are simplifying the process of writing code because you no longer have to think about individual commands.
An example of decomposition is calling a function within another function that helps you to accomplish a bigger task.
What is an Algorithm?
An algorithm is a series of instructions to accomplish a task.
For example, think about the steps it takes to get ready for school in the morning.
1. Wake up
2. Get dressed
3. Eat breakfast
4. Brush your teeth
5. Drive to school
This is an algorithm for a morning routine!
Recommended: Get Started with Algorithms and Code Your Art!
Midnight on the Moon
This rocket ship decomposition activity is part of our Magic Tree House book activity series based on the Magic Tree House books by Mary Pope Osborne.
This activity is a great way to pair a STEAM concept, Technology, with book number eight, Midnight on the Moon.
FIND MORE MAGIC TREE HOUSE ACTIVITIES
Explore more Magic Tree House activities and learn the science of mummification with apple mummies, build a working drawbridge, decipher dinosaur names with greek and latin words, and so much more!
MAKE SURE TO GRAB THE MAGIC TREE HOUSE BOOKS 5-8 TO FOLLOW ALONG WITH MORE MAGIC TREE HOUSE ACTIVITIES!
Rocket Ship Decomposition
In this activity, you can use your imagination or hands to disassemble the rocket ship. You’ll realize that all things are made up of smaller things.
To begin this activity, print the worksheet found at the end of this post.
For a hands-on approach, the first page of the workbook contains printable rocket ship pieces. Cut out the pieces of the rocket ship, color them, and build the rocket ship for your child to work with!
Break down, or decompose, the rocket ship into pieces and discuss the shapes that are used to form the rocket ship.
You can also choose to do the activity using the second page of the workbook. This page contains an image of a rocket ship.
Break down the rocket ship mentally. Discuss the shapes found in the rocket ship. How many triangles do you see?
To really test your decomposition skills, try out page three! On this page of the Rocket Ship Decomposition workbook, you’ll find a decomposition activity!
In the first image, you’ll need to determine which piece of the picture is missing! Take a look!
Next, you’ll need to make a rocket ship out of the pieces provided? Which piece won’t be used?
Finally, determine what three pieces aren’t used in the image. Can you guess what three remain?
CLICK HERE TO GRAB THIS FREE ROCKET SHIP DECOMPOSITION WORKBOOK
Find more free worksheets and activities to teach kids to code!
PIN THIS IMAGE TO SAVE THIS UNPLUGGED CODING ACTIVITY!
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Meet Toni, the Maker Mom behind Our Family Code
Hey there, I’m Toni! I’m a software engineer and Maker Mom that finds my joy in unleashing my children’s curiosity by exploring STEAM concepts with my fantastic five!
When I’m not chasing toddlers or raising tweens, you can find me tearing things up and putting them back together over here at Our Family Code.
I am the owner and content creator of multiple educational websites designed to increase access to STEAM & STEM education with a focus on teaching computer science and coding to kids of all ages!
You can also find out more about me by visiting ToniGardner.com!
