Teaching Algorithms and Programming Basics in Computer Science, Grades 1-12: Resources by Grade

Algorithms are where computer science instruction starts: writing steps, following them, comparing them, and fixing them. This page collects every Sooner Standards resource on algorithms and the programming basics built on them, such as variables, organized by grade, with Oklahoma OAS-CS and Texas TEKS editions marked.

The Skills These Resources Build

• Writing and following algorithms: from step-by-step instructions in Grade 1 to designing algorithms in Grade 8.
• Comparing and refining: judging which of several correct algorithms is better and improving it.
• Variables and data types: storing and changing values in a program.
• Debugging algorithms: finding the step that fails and fixing it.

How the Skills Progress

Grades 1 and 2 begin with creating and following simple step sequences. Grades 3 through 5 add comparing multiple algorithms, debugging them, and storing values in variables. Grades 6 through 8 move to using algorithms on complex problems, generalizing them, and designing them with variables and data types. High school looks at algorithms inside software and AI systems, including classic algorithms and developing an AI algorithm.

Resources by Grade

Grade 1

• Algorithms: Step by Step (Oklahoma OAS-CS)
• Make Your Own Algorithm (Texas TEKS)

Grade 2

• Creating & Following Algorithms (Oklahoma OAS-CS)
• Explaining Algorithms Correctly (Oklahoma OAS-CS)

Grade 3

• Comparing Multiple Algorithms (Oklahoma OAS-CS)
• Debug Simple Algorithms (Texas TEKS)
• Storing Data with Variables (Texas TEKS)

Grade 4

• Debugging Algorithms (Texas TEKS)
• Using Variables to Change Data (Texas TEKS)

Grade 5

• Comparing and Refining Algorithms (Oklahoma OAS-CS)
• Comparing Algorithms (Texas TEKS)

Grade 6

• Using Algorithms to Solve Complex Problems (Oklahoma OAS-CS)

Grade 7

• Generalizing an Algorithm (Texas TEKS)

Grade 8

• Generalizing Algorithms (Texas TEKS)
• Designing Algorithms (Oklahoma OAS-CS)
• Variables & Data Types (Texas TEKS)
• Patterns & Variables (Texas TEKS)
• FREE 8th Grade Computer Science Sample: Designing Algorithms (Oklahoma OAS-CS, free sample)

High School

• AI Algorithms in Software & Physical Systems (Oklahoma OAS-CS)
• Critically Examining Classic Algorithms (Oklahoma OAS-CS)
• Developing an AI Algorithm (Oklahoma OAS-CS)

Which Edition to Use

The Oklahoma editions follow the OAS-CS standards. The Texas editions follow the TEKS for each grade, and the high school Texas units follow the Fundamentals of Computer Science course. If you teach in another state, either edition covers the skills; check the standard codes against your own before assigning.

Related Guides

• Teaching problem-solving in computer science, Grades 1-12
• Teaching Data Collection, Charts and Analysis in Computer Science
• Teaching Networks, Hardware and Cybersecurity in Computer Science

This is an independently produced correlation guide. Not endorsed by CSTA, OSDE, or TEA.