How to Teach Coding Concepts Without a Screen: Unplugged STEM Games & Build Ideas
When you think about teaching kids to code, you might picture them stuck in front of screens and clacking away on keyboards. But coding is about much more than just typing prompts into a computer and reading lines of alphanumeric symbols. At its core, coding teaches kids to solve problems, identify patterns, and break tasks down into logical steps — skills they can apply to many other challenges or even future STEM careers.
That’s why you don’t need to rely on digital devices to get started with computer science lessons. You can use unplugged coding activities to help kids develop key skills through building projects, tactile games, and hands-on play.
Learn more about what unplugged coding is and how to choose the best screen-free STEM activities for your budding engineer or preschool programmer.
What is unplugged coding?
Unplugged coding is a way of teaching computer science concepts and programming skills without a device or screen. Instead of typing code into a computer, kids use physical objects, toys, games, and building activities to learn core STEM skills.
What can kids learn through unplugged coding activities?
Unplugged coding activities aren’t designed to teach kids JavaScript or build an app from scratch (there’s time for that later!) They’re all about getting kids comfortable with simply thinking like a programmer and starting to understand basic concepts, like:
- Algorithms: Create or follow step-by-step instructions to complete a simple task, like building a toy robot or 3D structure.
- Debugging: Spot mistakes and figure out how to correct them to achieve a certain goal, like assembling a tall tower.
- Logic: Use reasoning to solve problems and make decisions, like figuring out how to build a bridge that supports a toy car.
- Patterns: Create and add on to repeating sequences, like when making patterns of colored puzzle pieces or geometric shapes.
The benefits of doing coding activities without a computer
Kids get plenty of screen time by watching videos and playing online games. Take a break from the smartphone or tablet with hands-on coding activities and tangible toys built for STEM learning.
These unplugged coding projects can help kids:
- Make abstract concepts tangible: Instead of swiping and typing on slick screens, kids can stack, connect, and build physical objects for a more engaging, sensory experience — and build fine motor skills in the process!
- Discover creative solutions: Give kids the freedom and confidence to play independently as they test new ideas, make changes on the fly, and experiment with out-of-the-box thinking that pushes the boundaries of their imagination.
- Collaborate on tactile challenges: Coding doesn’t have to be a solo activity. By tackling engineering challenges together, kids can build teamwork, social-emotional, and communication skills.
Perhaps most importantly, unplugged coding makes STEM learning easy and accessible. No need to buy expensive devices, download software, or remember that tricky WiFi password. Just pop open a tube of puzzle pieces or pull together some everyday household items to get started.
What age can you start teaching coding?
Kids can start to learn coding concepts as early as preschool. In fact, little ones might already be discovering computer science skills without realizing it! Simply following instructions, spotting patterns, and solving puzzles are all building blocks of logical thinking.
As kids get older, they can start to learn more advanced coding techniques and programming languages. But first, it’s all about simply encouraging creative experimentation and problem-solving.
Explore Plus-Plus educational toys for 3–5-year-olds and 5–7-year-olds to start with early STEM learning.
5 unplugged coding activities for STEM learning
Ready to take your programming lessons off-screen and into the playroom? Try these five unplugged coding activities — no computer or keyboard required.
1. Binary code with colorful Plus-Plus pieces
Computers largely use binary code — made up of 1s and 0s — to communicate data. So every letter has a corresponding string of binary code, like “A” is “01000001.” That means you can easily bring binary code into 3D by choosing two Plus-Plus colors to represent 1 and 0. Maybe red = 1 and blue = 0. Then invite kids to “spell” their name or a word with binary code using these pieces.
2. Program custom robots
Kids can practice being a programmer and inputting commands by writing rules for their custom toy robots to complete. Then their friend — or you! — can read the instructions and follow the commands, like:
- Take two steps forward
- Turn left
- Jump
- Take one step backward
Maybe they want the robot to simply walk across the room, navigate a homemade cardboard maze, or pick up a small object like a paperclip and deposit it in a specific place. Once they’re done, switch roles and see how they follow your programming inputs.
3. Create a stacking algorithm
Pile up some Plus-Plus BIG pieces and write an algorithm — a.k.a. step-by-step instructions — for stacking and assembling them. Their algorithm might include commands like:
- UP to pick a piece up
- DOWN to put the piece down
- LEFT or RIGHT to shift the piece’s position
Kids can write their algorithm to make a specific colorful pattern, a rainbow, or any other 3D design they dream up.
4. Build structures using “if-then” commands
“If-then” code is a foundational programming concept and can be pretty easy for kids to grasp. In coding, it just means “if” a certain condition is met, “then” a certain code runs. Off the screen, it’s a fun way to play with understanding cause and effect.
Basically, you can create your own “if-then” rules and ask someone to follow along. For instance, a kid might say, “If I stack one yellow piece, then you stack two blue pieces.” Or “If I take away two red pieces, then you add one orange piece.” The great thing about “if-then” commands is that you can make them as simple, silly, or tricky as you’d like and adjust your game accordingly.
5. Complete a debugging challenge
Debugging is a fancy programming word for spotting a problem and fixing it. That means kids can learn about debugging early by tackling a specific challenge and adjusting their approaches along the way.
For example, you might invite kids to construct a small bridge using Plus-Plus pieces. As they build, they might realize that their bridge has trouble staying up. They can then “debug” this problem by changing their strategy and testing different solutions.
Some other great Plus-Plus debugging challenges include:
Once they’re done, they can enjoy the satisfaction of achieving their goal and build confidence in their ability to play independently.
Ready to get started with unplugged coding? Explore all Plus-Plus STEM toys to teach programming skills through creative, screen-free play.
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