Introductory Activity
Vocabulary
Automate — To make something happen automatically (without help from people)
Computer Science—The art of blending human ideas and digital tools to increase problem solving power
Computer Scientist—A person who is skilled at modifying problems for digital solutions
Data— Information, including: facts, samples, names and numbers
Environment— The world we live in
Interface— The way something allows you to connect with it
Open Source— Software that is created for free use by everyone
Programming—Writing instructions for a digital tool
Simulation—Pretending to be (a stand-in for) the real thing
Unit Introduction
Computer science is one of the most amazing art forms in the world. Not only is it incredibly expressive — allowing for an infinite number of combinations of words, images, and ideas — but when done well, it produces a functional and useful product that can entertain and inform the masses.
When most people think of computer science, they generally envision programming. Often, they assume that the field is full of people who sit alone at their computers all day, staring at large screens and drinking coffee. In reality, computer science is an engaging and collaborative activity that includes far more than the ones and zeros for which it has become famous.
The art of computer science often starts with a problem that needs to be solved. Maybe there is too much information produced by a study for one human to be able to sort through it all in a lifetime. Perhaps an elderly person finds it hard to physically connect with long distance relatives. There might even be an organization that needs to find the best route to get the most miles out of its airplanes using the least amount of fuel possible.
Once an issue has been identified, it may seem too overwhelming to tackle. That’s why computer scientists learn to look at individual pieces, instead of just the big picture. Chopping a task up into manageable pieces is a great way to make progress through a series of little successes. Figuring out how something should work is much different than actually getting it to work. That’s where computer simulation and automated performance come in. Whether you’re trying to simulate a real world experience, or create an impossible one, computers are an extremely helpful platform.
If your solution runs on a computer, then it is expected that people will need a way to interact with it. This introduces the need for a beautiful, sleek, and artistic interface. A program must also provide direction to its users through graphic elements, a spoken script, or menus and buttons. All of these bits require careful forethought, planning, and incorporation.
So, you see, computer scientists aren’t just programmers. They’re creative problem solvers, psychologists artists, authors, and yes, even actual scientists. Every industry needs computer scientists. They’re needed in biology, video gaming, schools, health care, public service, and anywhere that innovation is involved.
Computers are great for repetitive tasks. They’re also fantastic for providing interactive entertainment. The danger comes when people get so caught up in using a computer that they stop moving and thinking for themselves. When you learn how to use a computer at a very young age, it is extremely important that you keep in mind the value of balance. When it comes to technology and human-power, balance keeps you on top of the very best things about both sides. Let’s look at this three different ways:
Technology vs. Physical Movement
Some people would prefer to spend time on video games, watching television, or surfing the Internet rather than going outside to play. Technology is fun, but if we give up our opportunities to run, jump and climb, then we could miss out on valuable experiences later in life. Make sure you balance your tech by spending an equal amount of time on physical activity. Take “stretch breaks” every thirty minutes if a lesson requires you to be focused on technology for longer than a half-hour. Similarly, follow the 20/20/20 rule. That is: “Every 20 minutes, look at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.”
Technology vs. Environment
Technology uses a lot of resources. When we take advantage of technology, it is our responsibility to offset the damage that we do by being careful with our electricity other places. Be sure you turn the lights off when you leave a room, shut down and unplug your computer whenever you are done using it, and recycle any unwanted paper that you produce.
Technology vs. Philanthropy
Computer Scientists make a lot of money. But when you can do something that most other people cannot, it isn’t very responsible to take advantage of others because of it. It is far better to get in the habit of “paying it forward.” If you learn computer science, make it your goal to teach at least one other person. Not only will you have helped brighten someone else’s future, you will find that explaining computer science helps you to understand the lessons better yourself. If you ever have the opportunity, try to get involved in creating open source software for others.
Automate — To make something happen automatically (without help from people)
Computer Science—The art of blending human ideas and digital tools to increase problem solving power
Computer Scientist—A person who is skilled at modifying problems for digital solutions
Data— Information, including: facts, samples, names and numbers
Environment— The world we live in
Interface— The way something allows you to connect with it
Open Source— Software that is created for free use by everyone
Programming—Writing instructions for a digital tool
Simulation—Pretending to be (a stand-in for) the real thing
Unit Introduction
When most people think of computer science, they generally envision programming. Often, they assume that the field is full of people who sit alone at their computers all day, staring at large screens and drinking coffee. In reality, computer science is an engaging and collaborative activity that includes far more than the ones and zeros for which it has become famous.
The art of computer science often starts with a problem that needs to be solved. Maybe there is too much information produced by a study for one human to be able to sort through it all in a lifetime. Perhaps an elderly person finds it hard to physically connect with long distance relatives. There might even be an organization that needs to find the best route to get the most miles out of its airplanes using the least amount of fuel possible.
Once an issue has been identified, it may seem too overwhelming to tackle. That’s why computer scientists learn to look at individual pieces, instead of just the big picture. Chopping a task up into manageable pieces is a great way to make progress through a series of little successes. Figuring out how something should work is much different than actually getting it to work. That’s where computer simulation and automated performance come in. Whether you’re trying to simulate a real world experience, or create an impossible one, computers are an extremely helpful platform.
So, you see, computer scientists aren’t just programmers. They’re creative problem solvers, psychologists artists, authors, and yes, even actual scientists. Every industry needs computer scientists. They’re needed in biology, video gaming, schools, health care, public service, and anywhere that innovation is involved.
Computers are great for repetitive tasks. They’re also fantastic for providing interactive entertainment. The danger comes when people get so caught up in using a computer that they stop moving and thinking for themselves. When you learn how to use a computer at a very young age, it is extremely important that you keep in mind the value of balance. When it comes to technology and human-power, balance keeps you on top of the very best things about both sides. Let’s look at this three different ways:
Technology vs. Physical Movement
Some people would prefer to spend time on video games, watching television, or surfing the Internet rather than going outside to play. Technology is fun, but if we give up our opportunities to run, jump and climb, then we could miss out on valuable experiences later in life. Make sure you balance your tech by spending an equal amount of time on physical activity. Take “stretch breaks” every thirty minutes if a lesson requires you to be focused on technology for longer than a half-hour. Similarly, follow the 20/20/20 rule. That is: “Every 20 minutes, look at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.”
Technology vs. Environment
Technology uses a lot of resources. When we take advantage of technology, it is our responsibility to offset the damage that we do by being careful with our electricity other places. Be sure you turn the lights off when you leave a room, shut down and unplug your computer whenever you are done using it, and recycle any unwanted paper that you produce.
Technology vs. Philanthropy
Computer Scientists make a lot of money. But when you can do something that most other people cannot, it isn’t very responsible to take advantage of others because of it. It is far better to get in the habit of “paying it forward.” If you learn computer science, make it your goal to teach at least one other person. Not only will you have helped brighten someone else’s future, you will find that explaining computer science helps you to understand the lessons better yourself. If you ever have the opportunity, try to get involved in creating open source software for others.
Definitions and information from "Intro to the Art of Computer Science" lesson. Available at code.org
Activity
The best computer scientists understand what it’s like to “be” a computer. You will complete an activity that will help you understand how computers read and store data.
Ask your teacher for the "Binary Decorder Key" handout. Using that handout, determine which letter
is the image below:
Suggestion: Consider matching the first four boxes to either the first half (column) of the alphabet or the second half (this is why there is a small gap between the first 4 squares and the last 4 squares). This should narrow down your choices.
Once you think you have determined which letter is it, ask the teacher if you correct.
Now, look at the three images below and determine the three letters they represent. The first letter (above) and these three letters below should spell a name (or word). See if you can determine what it is and then check with your teacher to find out if you are correct:
The way the binary decoder key works is the same
method that computers use to store data. Computers format everything (letters, numbers,
images, even sounds) as some representation of on and off. Now, you are going to let act like computers as you “store” letters of the alphabet as binary.
Obtain the handout you need for this activity from your teacher and using the handout, you will "store" your first name as binary.
The above activity is taken from "Intro to the Art of Computer Science" lesson. Available at code.org
Create Your Account and Get Started
You will create you own account and start working in the unit by clicking here.
If needed the code is: GTSKKW
You will need an email, such as your student email (username@nbss.nbed.nb.ca) or your Google account email.
Your progress will be monitored, and you will explore different activities in various stages.
See the instructions below for creating your account:
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| Click on image to enlarge |
Please note: This is a link to YouTube Tutorials if you are having trouble with any of the coding stages in this unit.