Computer Science Unplugged
Ice Roads–Steiner Trees
As an introduction to Steiner Trees, class members are challenged to find the shortest paths to connect multiple points. The teacher introduces the problem by showing how to connect three points. Groups then go outside and construct a...
Computer Science Unplugged
Twenty Guesses—Information Theory
How do we determine how much information to include and what can be left out? By playing a game of 20 questions, the class generates the best strategies for finding a number. They then move on to guessing the next letter in a short...
Computer Science Unplugged
Battleships—Searching Algorithms
How does a computer perform a search in order to find data? The lesson begins with a demonstration on finding one number out of 15. Pairs then play three games of Battleship by using different search techniques. The lesson plan finishes...
Computer Science Unplugged
Beat the Clock—Sorting Networks
Can multiple computers sort a list faster than one? Using a network drawn with chalk outside, groups move through the decision network to sort numbers. A series of extension questions come with the lesson and can be used in the same...
Computer Science Unplugged
Lightest and Heaviest—Sorting Algorithms
How do computers sort data lists? Using eight unknown weights and a balance scale, groups determine the order of the weights from lightest to heaviest. A second worksheet provides the groups with other methods to order the weights. The...
Ontario
Computer Hardware —Computer Studies
What kind of components are needed for a computer? Through a differentiated activity, individuals learn about six hardware computer components. They conduct research to determine the range of options for the components. Class members...
Stratford Academy
Microsoft Word Exercise
Get to know the computer program, Microsoft Word, by completing 24 tasks, including typing a line of text, experimenting with format options, inserting page numbers, headers, footers, and more.
T. Smith Publishing
Computer Basics for Kids Worksheet
This informational reading learning exercise can be used in your literacy or computer class. Students learn the basic components of computers then test their knowledge with multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank questions.
Curated OER
The Windows Desktop Vocabulary Worksheet
In this computers worksheet, students find the vocabulary words that match each function that is listed as part of using the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Curated OER
Computers Organizing Files Worksheet
Help young users organize their computer files with a practice worksheet. As they examine the listed document names, learners match them with the appropriate computer file.
Curated OER
Altering Text Size, Color, and Font
Take a look at a very simple lesson on text size, text colors, and font choices. There is a step-by-step guide directing the young learners on what to do to change these things when working on a computer. Take it even further by adding a...
Curated OER
Macbeth News Broadcast
Here is an authentic assessment task for Shakespeare's Macbeth. Young literature scholars prepare, perform, and record a news broadcast about the major events in the play. For example, groups may choose to report on the death of Lady...
Curated OER
An Electronic Self-Portrait Lesson Plan - A Unit for Middle School
Using a photo of themselves for inspiration, learners create a multi-media self-portrait. A digital image of each child is taken, it is uploaded into the computer where is can be experimented with in a digital format. Young artists then...
Curated OER
Jeopardy Development Team Project
Students study the criteria for evaluating web sites and use information found in authoritative web sites to create questions for a game of Jeopardy. They evaluate three different web sites, some with minor errors and some with major...
eGFI
Bits & Binary
Youngsters love to write on their hands, and in this fabulous activity they are actually asked to. Using numbers written on the tips of their fingers, they will learn how the binary number system works. This hands-on activity is a...
Curated OER
Arc GIS Project: Visualizing the Holocaust
A cross-curricular lesson for middle schoolers that covers language arts, social studies, geography, and math, this is a great extension activity if your class is reading The Diary of Anne Frank or learning about the Holocaust. Using...
American Library Association
Creating 21st Century Superheroes
Create 21st century learners by utilizing technology and library databases. Scholars explore the concept of comic books as literature and create a superhero who could uniquely solve a 21st century global issue. Databases such as SIRS are...
Curated OER
Pen Pals
Students make their own predictions about the amount of different types of birds at each site before they go there. In groups, they collect the bird data and compose letters to their pen pals sharing their information. To end the lesson,...
Curated OER
What's Inside My Computer?
Pupils draw a picture of what they think a computer looks like inside. They learn the function of each part of a computer, the definitions of unfamiliar computer terms, and complete a worksheet of definitions of computer parts.
Curated OER
Egg Carton Binary Numbers
Learners take the abstract concept of binary representation and create a more tactile and concrete approach. Using egg cartons, they create a physical representation of binary numbers. The egg cartons become a tool to assist young...
Curated OER
Draw a Computer
In this computer lesson plan, students examine the various parts of the computer using terms - computer, keyboard, monitor, mouse, on/off switch, headphones, speaker. They repeat vocabulary and discuss correct operation and safety.
Curated OER
Immigration and Ancestors
We are all immigrants to this country and the study of immigration can help students connect to history in a personal way. Students will listen to audio clips from the Ellis Island web site, discuss the treatment of immigrants in the...
Curated OER
Computer Language
A thorough and engaging slideshow presentation discusses all things computer, from artificial intelligence programs to text messaging lingo. Computer science students will get a kick out of the examples for ELIZA, Otto Jesperson's...
TryEngineering
Give Binary a Try!
Digital, analog, and now binary clocks? The instructional activity teaches individuals how to interpret binary code. They use an online software program to read binary clocks.