Superhero Saves the Day is a fun and hands-on way to introduce early coding skills—no technology required! In this engaging unplugged activity, students use direction cards to plan a path for their superhero to complete a mission while avoiding obstacles on the map.

Set up a grid-style board using a wooden tray (we used one from Kmart!) and arrange different items like city buildings, gems, or bad guys. Students create a pathway using directional coding cards and must guide their superhero to the goal without running into any obstacles.

This activity introduces core coding concepts such as sequencing, logic, spatial awareness, and direction—while encouraging creativity, storytelling, and strategic thinking. Missions can be easily adapted (e.g. return to HQ, rescue a captured friend, collect an item), making it perfect for repeated use with fresh challenges each time.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Develop early coding and sequencing skills
• ✅ Use directional vocabulary (e.g. forward, turn left, turn right)
• ✅ Engage in problem solving and logical reasoning
• ✅ Build spatial awareness and planning skills
• ✅ Collaborate and communicate ideas effectively

What’s Included:

• Printable direction cards
• Obstacle cards featuring city buildings, gems, and villains
• Recording sheet for students to write their path using directional language
• Instructions and setup guide

Materials Needed:

• Printed direction and obstacle cards
• Wooden tray or grid-based board (optional for structure)
• Small superhero figurine or counter
• Recording sheet and pencils

How to Use:

• • Set up a 3x3 or 4x4 grid using a tray or table space
• • Place obstacles and mission targets in different positions
• • Students plan a path using the direction cards
• • Record the path using correct directional language on the sheet
• • Test the pathway with a superhero counter and reflect on the result

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during digital technologies or STEM lessons as an unplugged coding task
• 💡 Add to rotations during a superhero-themed literacy or inquiry unit
• 💡 Incorporate into morning tubs or fast finisher activities
• 💡 Challenge students to create their own missions and obstacle layouts
• 💡 Pair students for collaborative coding and testing

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Use a magnetic whiteboard grid for a reusable vertical version
• 💛 Laminate cards and recording sheets for repeated use
• 💛 Assign roles (coder, tester, checker) in group versions of the task
• 💛 Encourage students to verbalise their reasoning before testing their code

Superhero Saves the Day is a powerful way to introduce coding concepts through creative play—supporting problem-solving, planning, and fun-filled missions in your classroom!