Girls Who Code At Home - Algorithmic Artist Game - Unplugged Activity

Oct 25, 2026

Upload by GGG

Girls Who Code At Home unplugged activity invites two or more players to create “drawing algorithms” by giving clear, step-by-step instructions for recreating a picture. Participants prepare drawing sets at easy, medium, or hard levels, then follow game rules where the instructor describes shapes and locations while artists cannot see the original drawing or speak during instruction. After rounds, players reveal results and reflect on how instructions affect interpretation. The guide also features Woman in Tech Spotlight Danielle Forward, highlighting creativity, resilience, and purpose, and provides discussion prompts and an explanation of algorithms through input-output examples.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

Activity Overview

Materials

Women in Tech Spotlight: Danielle Forward

Reflect

Step 1: Get Started

Step 2: Create Your Drawings

Step 3: Learn the Rules

Step 4: Play

Step 5: Reflect—What is an Algorithm?

Girls Who Code At Home Algorithmic Artist Game Unplugged Activity Activity Overview We love games! Not only are games a great way of connecting with other people, but they are also a chance to be playful and adaptive in the face of a challenge. In this unplugged activity*, you will create algorithms-or sets of instructions-by telling a player how to recreate a drawing you made. In a program, algorithms are how we communicate to the computer what we want it to do. Once you’ve played a few rounds, we’ll show you how to mod the game (change it up) to make it your own! Before you start playing, we recommend checking out the featured Woman in Tech Spotlight, Danielle Forward. Danielle works as a Product Designer at Facebook and founded Natives Rising, an organization that raises awareness about Native American role models in tech and design through mentorship programs. Materials ● Another player. You need at least two people, but this game works for a big group as well. This game doesn’t require you to be physically next to the people you are playing with, so you can play it with friends or family on your next virtual hangout! ● Algorithmic Artist Game Planning Guide ● Paper ● Pen or pencil and/or markers *This game is based on Block Talk by the Institute of Play. Women in Tech Spotlight: Danielle Forward First came art, then came technology. As a child, Danielle was fascinated with Japanese comics, animations, and pencil drawings. Using her skills, she eventually decided to pursue Graphic Design in college. She switched to Interaction Design when she realized the growing potential of technology to solve human problems. As a current Product Designer at Facebook, Danielle works with [Internet.org](Internet.org) and other social platforms to spread civic and social awareness to millions of users. Danielle is also the founder of Natives Rising, an organization that raises awareness about Native American role models in tech and design through mentorship programs. You can read more about Danielle's journey from her own perspective in the article, 10 Questions with Danielle Forward. We really like her answer to question \#5! Check out this video about Natives Rising to learn more about the organization Danielle founded. Reﬂect Being a computer scientist is more than just being great at coding. Take some time toreﬂect on how Danielle and her work relates to the strengths that great computer scientists focus on building-bravery, resilience, creativity, and purpose. |
RESILIENCE | It took Danielle ten years to graduate with a BFA, and she talks a lot about her perseverance, patience, and planning.
What are challenges you have faced in your life? What methods and tools did you use to work through those challenges? | | --- | --- | Share your responses with a family member or friend. Encourage others to read more about Danielle to join in the discussion! Step 1: Get Started (5 mins) Gather your materials and players in a spot that is good for drawing-the kitchen counter, living room coffee table, desk, etc. If you’re playing with a friend virtually, connect with them over a video chat app and make sure that they have the Algorithmic Artist Planning Guide. Once you're set up, it’s time to start building those drawing algorithms! Step 2: Create Your Drawings (5-10 mins) Before you can play, you need to make the drawings that you will use in the game. First, decide which level or levels you want to play: easy, medium, or hard (we recommend a few of each) . Next, use the Algorithmic Artist Planning Guide (page 9) to help you generate your drawings. Depending on how long you want to play, each player can make 3-4 drawings. | Example Drawings | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Easy | Easy | Medium | Hard | | | | | | Step 3: Learn the Rules (2 mins) Decide who will be the ﬁrst instructor. If you are in the same room, make sure the artist(s) cannot see the drawings. The instructor should hav

FAQs

What is the goal of the Algorithmic Artist Game?

Players create algorithms—sets of instructions—so another player can recreate a drawing. The activity focuses on communicating steps clearly so the final artwork matches the intended outcome.

What materials are needed to play?

You need at least two players, paper, and a pen or pencil (and/or markers). The game also requires the Algorithmic Artist Game Planning Guide and the planning guide to create the drawing set.

What are the core rules during gameplay?

The instructor picks a drawing and instructs the artist(s) using words that include basic shapes and locations. Artists cannot see the original drawing and must not speak or ask questions while the instructor is talking.

Oct 25, 2026

Upload by GGG