Teach Engineering
Start Networking!
Class members create their own social networks by collecting signatures before graphing the interactions with their fellow classmates. The degree distribution of the simulated social network is determined by calculating the degree of...
Curated OER
Documenting and Removing Network Protocols
In this technology worksheet, students practice using and setting up computer networks specifically through removing older protocols.
Curated OER
Active Reading with American History
Explore connections within and between informational texts with this lesson about encyclopedia articles. Middle schoolers write encyclopedia articles focusing on topics in American history. They discuss how to determine credibility...
Exploratorium
Traveling Networks
Show your class the path to understanding graph theory. Scholars learn about basic graph theory using an activity based on the Bridges of Konigberg problem. They draw networks on the playground and decide whether it is possible to travel...
Computer Science Unplugged
The Orange Game–Routing and Deadlock in Networks
How is data able to move in a congested network? Groups simulate moving data around a congested network by passing fruit around a circle, following specific rules, until everyone ends up with their own fruit. Extension activities include...
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...
Curated OER
What is a Computer Crime?
An important lesson on cybercrimes is here for you. In it, young computer users learn about how people commit crimes on computers by hacking into accounts, and stealing personal information from people. Some excellent discussion...
Teach Engineering
Computer Simulation of an Artificial Neural Network
Ready to learn about machine learning? Pupils explore neutral networks and machine learning by analyzing the logic used in a single perceptron model. They consider its weaknesses and then use a multi-layer perceptron model to run...
Teach Engineering
Processes on Complex Networks
Introduces your class to random processes in networks with an activity that uses information about disease spread using the susceptible, infectious, resistant (SIR) model. Participants determine whether a susceptible person becomes...
Computer Science Unplugged
Tablets of Stone—Network Communication Protocols
Show your learners that the game of Telephone isn't the only way messages get mixed up. Pairs transform into the sender and receiver of a message sent in packets. At least one pupil is the messenger who either delivers, delays, or fails...
Curated OER
What is a Computer Network?
High schoolers are introduced to the function of computer networks. In groups, they define new terminology and examine different types of designs of networks. To end the lesson, they discuss the various ways computer networks can be used.
Smarter Balanced
The Internet
The Internet and how it has changed our lives is the focus of a series of activities that prepares learners for the performance task assessment on the influence of the Internet. Groups also brainstorm devices such as phone and cars that...
Curated OER
Comparing Physical Activity Choices
A physical activity log will help your elementary students keep track of their activities. Your class will calculate the average number of physicaly active minutes per day. They compare with other students and then estimate the relative...
Curated OER
Keeping a Physical Activity Log
This study asks students to keep a log at home of their daily physical activities for at least one or two weeks. They bring their logs back to class. They compare the activities and discuss different levels of intensity.
Curated OER
Test-Driving Computers
A new form of standardized testing? Learners evaluate arguments for and against the use of computer-based standardized tests in schools. They express their views through discussion and explore the views of others through the creation and...
Code.org
HTTP and Abstraction on the Internet
Introduce your class to the layers of abstraction of the Internet with a activity on the HTTP protocol. Pupils review previous lessons on levels of the Internet, then investigate new high levels by examining the HTTP traffic on their own...
Curated OER
The Learning Network: Re-envisioning Classic Stories
Readers reflect on enjoyable stories they know, brainstorm criteria that make a story "good," analyze a New York Times article about innovative children's performances, re-envision classics on their own, and peer edit drafts. Use this as...
Curated OER
Computer Accuracy
Students work together on computers to practice measuring for navigation. They discover that errors in their calculations can lead them in the wrong direction. They examine the need of computers by engineers.
Computer Science Unplugged
The Muddy City—Minimal Spanning Trees
What is the most efficient way to ensure everyone is connected? Individual pupils determine the least expensive route to pave roads in a fictional city. In doing so, they learn to find the minimal spanning tree for the situation. They...
Curated OER
Hector's World - Lesson Plan - Interactive Episode - Computer Security: "Oops"
Students examine the need for strong passwords when working online. In this computer password lesson, students access an animated sequence at the given web site. They determine the need for computer passwords when working on shared...
Teach Engineering
Complex Networks and Graphs
Show your class how engineers use graphs to understand large and complex systems. The resource provides the beginnings of graph theory by introducing the class to set theory, graphs, and degree distributions of a graph.
Facebook
Public Wi-Fi
Sometimes free Wi-Fi comes with a hefty price tag! Networking novices examine the components of a Wi-Fi network during a digital citizenship lesson from an extensive series. Groups work together to map out a day's worth of Internet...
Code.org
Algorithms Detour - Minimum Spanning Tree
This optional lesson introduces the class to the idea of a minimum spanning tree. The activity focuses on determining an algorithm that will find the most efficient path in a network to transfer data.
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...