IGICONIC GAMESSENIOR // FUTURE LEARNING
TERM 1 · WEEK 2The Algorithm
YEAR 7EXPLORE · QUESTION · CREATE
MEDIA CITY · MISSION 02
NETWORK ENGINE

YEAR 7 · TERM 1 · WEEK 2

The Algorithm

Why did your feed show you that?

Your fictional feed has started showing the same kind of content again and again. Nothing is “reading your mind” — a system is using signals and rules. Your mission is to work out how those signals change what appears next.
ENTER MISSION →
MISSION DECKMEDIA CITY / WEEK 02SELECT A MODULE
01BRIEFMission 02LEARNIntel 03INVESTIGATEEvidence 04ENGLISHEvidence case 05DECIDEMake the call 06DATANumbers 07PROJECTBuild 08CHECK-INReflect ★GAMEReward
ACTIVE OBJECTIVEYour fictional feed has started showing the same kind of content again and again. Nothing is “reading your mind” — a system is using signals and rules. Your mission is to work out how those signals change what appears next.
WORLDMEDIA CITY
SEQUENCE01 / 08
REWARDGAME BREAK

BEFORE YOU START

Get set for this mission.

You can complete the essential lesson on this page. You do not need to print anything.

YOU NEED
  • Required: a device with this page open.
  • Optional: headphones for video or read-aloud.
  • Optional: pen + paper for rough working if that helps you think.
HOW TO DO IT
  1. Read or listen to the Briefing + Learn.
  2. Do the interactive mission.
  3. Use the reading and maths/data evidence.
  4. Make your decision and add the Project HQ step.
  5. Play the weekly game if you want, then complete Check-in.
WORK YOUR WAY

Short bursts are fine. Use Learning Tools for easier reading, read-aloud, less on screen, stronger contrast, no-rush and quieter-screen options.

If a question feels hard, go back to the worked teaching, use the hint/feedback, and try one step at a time.

MISSION BRIEFING

Your fictional feed has started showing the same kind of content again and again. Nothing is “reading your mind” — a system is using signals and rules. Your mission is to work out how those signals change what appears next.

✓Explain an algorithm as a sequence of instructions.
✓Distinguish an input signal from the output recommendation.
✓Use a simple scoring rule and table to predict what rises in a feed.
✓Explain how repetition, privacy and wellbeing can be affected by recommendation systems.
MISSION MEDIA · CBC Kids News

Social Media Algorithms Explained

Focus on the signals a platform can use to decide what appears next.

YOUTUBE ↗

Captions are controlled inside the YouTube player. If the embed is unavailable, use the YouTube link.

LEARN

INPUT → RULE → OUTPUT

A recommendation algorithm takes INPUTS such as watch time, likes, skips or follows, applies RULES or a model, then produces an OUTPUT such as a ranked feed. The system can only work with the data it receives; it does not know your thoughts. Small choices can change the data trail and therefore change later recommendations.

LEARNING BUILD

Learn the tools.

This section makes the thinking visible before the main mission. The guided check gives immediate feedback; the independent attempt is your own reasoning.

01 · REFRESH · QUICK PREREQUISITE CHECK

Refresh: an input is information or a signal that goes into a system; an output is what the system produces after applying a rule.

A learner QUICK-SKIPS three cooking clips. In a recommendation system, those skips are best described as…

Choose an answer to reactivate the idea you need for this week.

02 · TEACH · CORE IDEA

A recommendation algorithm takes INPUTS such as watch time, likes, skips or follows, applies RULES or a model, then produces an OUTPUT such as a ranked feed. The system can only work with the data it receives; it does not know your thoughts. Small choices can change the data trail and therefore change later recommendations.

03 · TEACH · WHAT TO NOTICE

Explain an algorithm as a sequence of instructions.Distinguish an input signal from the output recommendation.

04 · TEACH · CONNECT THE SKILLS

Use a simple scoring rule and table to predict what rises in a feed.Explain how repetition, privacy and wellbeing can be affected by recommendation systems.

05 · WORKED EXAMPLE

Worked example: WATCH TO END gives +3 and LIKE gives +2. A clip receiving both signals scores 3 + 2 = 5 points in the simplified Year 7 rule. If the learner then QUICK-SKIPS a similar clip, that separate clip receives −2. The rule changes the ranking because the recorded inputs changed.

06 · WE DO · GUIDED PRACTICE

A feed keeps repeating one topic after the learner watches several clips on that topic to the end. Which explanation best matches the model?

Choose the strongest answer. You will get an explanation straight away.

07 · YOU TRY · INDEPENDENT PRACTICE

YOU TRY: In your own words, explain one action → input signal → recommendation chain, then name one deliberate action that could make the fictional feed more varied.

Write at least 15 words. This is about the learning, not personal information.

MISCONCEPTION

MISCONCEPTION: “If a feed predicts what I will watch, it understands me.” A prediction can be useful without the system understanding a person’s thoughts, motives or whole identity.

HELP

HELP: Use this frame — “When the learner ___, the app records ___. The rule then ___. To broaden the feed, the learner could ___.”

STRETCH · OPTIONAL

STRETCH (optional): Change one part of the fictional scoring rule so repeated topics lose some advantage. Explain the trade-off your change creates.

FEED SIMULATOR

Train a fictional feed.

Use behaviour signals to change the ranking. The feed responds to the data you create — not to your thoughts.

TOPIC 1

Science & experiments

1 pts
TOPIC 2

Gaming & builds

1 pts
TOPIC 3

Food & cooking

1 pts

Try at least three signals. Then use BROADEN THE FEED and notice which topic gets an exploration boost.

OPEN THE AUDIT EVIDENCE
SOURCE 1

Watch time

A learner watches nearly all of three science clips. This is a strong signal that the system may rank similar clips higher.
SOURCE 2

One accidental tap

A single accidental like appears once. It may influence ranking, but one signal alone does not prove a stable preference.
SOURCE 3

Repeated skips

Several cooking clips are skipped within a few seconds. This provides repeated evidence that those clips are not holding attention.
SOURCE 4

“The app knows me better than I know myself”

This claim treats a prediction system as if it understands a person’s thoughts. The statement reaches beyond what the data shows.

INVESTIGATE + ENGLISH · EVIDENCE CASE

How a feed learns from signals

A fictional video app records signals such as whether a clip is opened, how long it is watched, whether it is liked, saved, shared or skipped, and which accounts are followed. The app can use those signals to rank future clips. If someone watches several similar videos to the end, the system may show more of that topic. If the learner keeps watching only what is recommended, the feed can become less varied over time. Recommendation can be useful, but learners should know that their actions create data and that they can deliberately search for different viewpoints, topics and creators.

MAKE THE CALL

A feed keeps showing one topic because the learner repeatedly watches it. Is the best explanation “the app knows what they are thinking”, “the system is using behaviour signals”, or “there is not enough information”? Explain the input → rule → output chain and one wellbeing/privacy consideration.

BUILD YOUR CASE CONCLUSION1. Make the call. 2. Use at least two relevant pieces of evidence. 3. Explain one limitation or uncertainty. 4. Finish with what can responsibly be concluded.Strong structure: My judgement is… The strongest evidence is… However, we still do not know… Therefore…

CASE CONCLUSION: Write 120–170 words explaining how one action in a feed can become an input, how the system turns it into a recommendation, and one way a learner could deliberately make their feed more varied.

0/120 words minimum for this writing mission.

CLAIMEVIDENCELIMITATIONCONCLUSION

MATHS + DATA LAB

Check the numbers.

HOW TO SUCCEEDRead the situation first. Estimate what a sensible answer should look like, choose an efficient calculation, then use the feedback to check your reasoning.For data questions, explain what the number shows — and what it does not prove.

A simple ranking rule gives +3 points for watching to the end, +2 for a like, and −2 for a quick skip. A science clip is watched to the end and liked. What score does it receive?

MISSION 05 · MATHS + DATA LAB

DATA TRAINING

FRACTIONS + PERCENT · YEAR 7 CORE
6 PROBLEMS
QUICK METHODFRACTIONS + PERCENT

Convert between fractions, decimals and percentages, then calculate from the whole.

GUIDED · Q01–Q03Use the quick method, then check the explanation.
Q01

What is 25% of 200?

Q02

Which fraction equals 50%?

Q03

0.25 as a percentage is…

INDEPENDENT · Q04

Which is largest?

INDEPENDENT · Q05

A $80 item is reduced by 25%. What is the discount?

INDEPENDENT · Q06

After a 25% discount on $80, what is the new price?

OPTIONAL CHALLENGE · OPEN RESPONSE

Create a real-life problem that uses a percentage and solve it.

0 words · optional
0 / 6 completeComplete every problem to finish the data lab.

KEEP YOUR SKILLS SHARP

YOUR WEEKLY TRAINING

Four short sessions to spread across your week. Each has six problems and a reasoning mission. Allow about 10–15 minutes per session, and take longer when you need it.

Use paper for working. Enter numbers only; units are shown beside each answer. These are fictional practice scenarios.

0 / 24 correct
SESSION 1 · NUMBER CHECK0 / 6

LEARN THE METHOD

Use brackets first, then powers, multiplication/division, and addition/subtraction. For fractions, use a common denominator.

WORKED EXAMPLE

18 + 4 × 3 = 18 + 12 = 30. But (18 + 4) × 3 = 66.

  1. Use a hint

    Multiply first: 8 × 3 = 24; add 13 to get 37.

  2. Use a hint

    Brackets first: 21 × 3 = 63.

  3. Check the method after trying

    8² = 64; subtract 3.

  4. Check the method after trying

    One quarter is 10; multiply by 3.

  5. Check the method after trying

    1/2 = 2/4, so 2/4 + 1/4 = 3/4 = 0.75.

  6. Check the method after trying

    (107 − 3) ÷ 8 = 13.

Compare your reasoning after trying

Multiplication is done before addition unless brackets change the order. For example, 2 + 3 × 4 = 14, but (2 + 3) × 4 = 20.

Your example may differ. Check your calculations and whether you explained why.

SESSION 2 · RULE DECODER0 / 6

LEARN THE METHOD

A letter stands for a number. Substitute its value; multiplication comes before addition. To solve, undo operations in reverse order on both sides.

WORKED EXAMPLE

3x + 5 = 26. Subtract 5 on both sides: 3x = 21. Divide by 3: x = 7. Check: 3 × 7 + 5 = 26.

  1. Use a hint

    Subtract 3 from both sides.

  2. Use a hint

    Divide both sides by 3.

  3. Check the method after trying

    Substitute: 4 × 14 + 3 = 59.

  4. Check the method after trying

    Add 3 each time.

  5. Check the method after trying

    Subtract 3, then divide by 4.

  6. Check the method after trying

    Exactly 14 is not greater than 14, so use the otherwise rule.

Compare your reasoning after trying

For example, 2x + 3 = 13 and 3x − 2 = 13 both have x = 5. Substitution checks each solution.

Your example may differ. Check your calculations and whether you explained why.

SESSION 3 · RATE ENGINE0 / 6

LEARN THE METHOD

A unit rate is an amount per one unit. Divide by the number of units, then multiply to scale. State the units and check that the assumed rate is constant.

WORKED EXAMPLE

A test rig makes 84 items in 7 minutes: 84 ÷ 7 = 12 items/min. At that rate it makes 60 items in 5 minutes.

  1. items/min

    Use a hint

    60 ÷ 4 = 15.

  2. items

    Use a hint

    4 × 15 = 60.

  3. km/h

    Check the method after trying

    Distance ÷ time = 48 ÷ 4.

  4. minutes

    Check the method after trying

    Volume ÷ rate = 60 ÷ 4.

  5. items/min

    Check the method after trying

    A: 15/min; B: 17/min; difference 2/min.

  6. items

    Check the method after trying

    Count running time only: 4 × (15 + 5).

Compare your reasoning after trying

Compare items per minute, not totals alone. For example 60 in 5 minutes and 96 in 8 both average 12/min. Different task difficulty or quality could make this comparison unfair.

Your example may differ. Check your calculations and whether you explained why.

SESSION 4 · RULE DECODER0 / 6

LEARN THE METHOD

A letter stands for a number. Substitute its value; multiplication comes before addition. To solve, undo operations in reverse order on both sides.

WORKED EXAMPLE

3x + 5 = 26. Subtract 5 on both sides: 3x = 21. Divide by 3: x = 7. Check: 3 × 7 + 5 = 26.

  1. Use a hint

    Subtract 5 from both sides.

  2. Use a hint

    Divide both sides by 5.

  3. Check the method after trying

    Substitute: 2 × 16 + 5 = 37.

  4. Check the method after trying

    Add 5 each time.

  5. Check the method after trying

    Subtract 5, then divide by 2.

  6. Check the method after trying

    Exactly 16 is not greater than 16, so use the otherwise rule.

Compare your reasoning after trying

For example, 2x + 3 = 13 and 3x − 2 = 13 both have x = 5. Substitution checks each solution.

Your example may differ. Check your calculations and whether you explained why.

Answers and reasoning save on this device when browser storage is available.

PROJECT HQ · PROJECT FILE 02

RESEARCH — gather 2–3 trustworthy sources.

Start something real. Build an idea, test it, improve it, and share it. Make your move.

The Reality Project runs across all nine weeks.

PROJECT HQ · PROJECT FILE 02

RESEARCH

Make your move.

PROJECT JOURNEYWEEK 2 / 9RESEARCH

Start something real. Build an idea, test it, improve it, and share it.

Build the evidence base before deciding the answer.

THIS WEEKRESEARCH

Complete only this project step today. Your saved work carries forward, so you do not need to finish the whole project at once.

A STRONG STEPSpecific · useful · achievable

Use evidence from this week's mission, name a real audience or purpose, and make the idea small enough to test and improve.

BEFORE YOU SAVE, CHECK:✓ I answered every field clearly✓ I used evidence or reasoning from this week✓ My next step is realistic

Complete each field with enough detail to carry this work into the next week. This step saves on this device as you type.

IDEA→RESEARCH→PLAN→BUILD→TEST→IMPROVE→PRESENT

Project sharing will be optional. A future upload system must keep private submission separate from public-showcase/marketing permission.

CHECK-IN

What changed in your thinking?

YOUR WEEKLY GAME · TERM 1 / WEEK 2

Formation Invaders

Clear five formations. Dodge shots and use your pulse in emergencies.

PLAY FORMATION INVADERS
Phone + keyboard controls · Best score saved on this device

YEAR 7 · SENIOR HOMEWORK CLUB

Your journey

0 of 36 weeks complete.
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