Lesson Idea | One Part at a Time Lesson Plan - Work It Out Wombats!™

Explore problem decomposition (or “breaking it down”) through an animated song and a physical activity in this lesson from Work It Out Wombats!™ The computational thinking (CT) skill of problem decomposition—defined as breaking down problems or tasks into smaller parts so they are easier to do—is also a foundational skill used in math and literacy.

Work It Out Wombats!™ introduces children to a creative way of thinking that helps them solve problems in more organized ways, using a toolkit of skills from computer science. CT can be practiced with a computer, or practiced without one through engaging, screen-free experiences.

Lesson Summary

Students are introduced to the computational thinking skill of problem decomposition (or “breaking it down”). First, they watch the animated song, “One Part at a Time,” in which Malik has trouble learning a dance until Ellie helps him break it down into separate dance steps. The teacher and class follow Ellie’s steps and learn the dance too. Then they combine the steps with the music. Next, it’s time for the Dance Maker activity, in which students create their own dances with the help of Ellie’s Dance Cards. Three volunteers will make up a three-step dance and teach it to the class, “one part at a time.” Other volunteers are then invited to do the same.

Time Allotment

30 minutes
- 15 minutes to watch the 1½-minute video, discuss it, and learn the dance.
- 15 minutes to have groups of three students put together a dance and teach it to the class. If more than two groups of students want to create dances, continue the activity at another time.

Learning Objectives

Students will:
- Learn to create or follow a repeating sequence of dance steps
- Understand that you can break down a problem or a task (like a dance) into smaller parts to make it easier to do
- Teach others how to break down a problem into smaller parts

Prep for Teachers

1. Read the lesson plan and the background essay, About Computational Thinking (CT) (5-minute read), and watch the Work It Out Wombats!™ animated song, One Part at a Time.
2. Decide how to display the dance cards:
- Print the five Ellie’s Dance Cards (on cardstock and in color, if possible).
- Display the cards on a bulletin board, white board, pocket chart, or magnetic board, using tape or clips to secure the cards.
3. Cue the animated song on a computer, and have the Dance Maker Music open on the computer in a different tab. When students create their own dances, this will be their soundtrack.

Supplies

- Ellie’s Dance Cards (PDF)
- A place to display the cards (wall or bulletin board) for the group to see
- Tape or clips to attach the cards to the wall or bulletin board