This activity, called “Dance Code Exchange,” tasks students in partner schools with becoming computer programmers to create a simple algorithm (a “Dance Code”). Using a set of Command Cards (each representing an animal movement, like Walk, Jump, or Freeze), students arrange up to six cards in a specific Sequence to form their unique “Dance Code.” This step emphasizes Sequence—the idea that the order of steps matters.

Next, the schools Collaboratively Create by exchanging their codes. Students then practice Decoding/Reproduction by reading the received foreign code and attempting to “execute” or “dance” it exactly as written. This process reinforces the importance of clear instructions and precise following of a Sequence, and it implicitly introduces the idea of Conditions (e.g., if the card says “Jump,” then the action is jumping).

In essence, students learn to create, exchange, and execute simple algorithms using their bodies, making abstract coding concepts concrete and collaborative.