Lesson 1: Why do we use computers?
Focus question: How do computers help us?
| Overview |
| Students will discuss different ways in which they use computers and how computers improve their lives. The class will then engage in a discussion on the ways computers and technology have changed over time. |
| Objectives |
| Students will |
| New York State Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standard(s) |
| K-1.IC.2:Identify and explain classroom and home rules related to computing technologies. K-1.IC.3: Identify computing technologies in the classroom, home, and community. |
| Vocabulary |
| computer – is a machine that helps us solve problems. machine – a device that does a task or makes it easier to do something. laptop – a type of computer that is portable and has a built-in keyboard and screen. desktop – a type of computer that is not portable and usually goes on top of a desk or table. tablet – a type of computer that is flat and handheld. computer science – is solving problems using computers. |
| Resources |
| Slide deck Optional videos BBC Learning – Using Computers At WorkRuff Ruffman, Ways to Use Technology (PBS Kids)Sesame Street: Where are the computers? (great for discussing where we find computers in our neighborhood)Sesame Street: Cookie and Prairie Use A Computer (video) Handout(s) Available Matching game (digital version)How do computers help us? (digital or printable)Matching worksheet (printable) Computer Science Journal · Optional – Exploring Computer Science from A to Z, make a copy for each student, if possible. If not, create a class copy and record student responses while projecting to the class. This can be used to add new vocabulary. For in person learning, print and copy for each student. CS Journal for students, make a copy for each student.. Alternate Resources Use this resource for more information: coolkidfacts.com/computer-facts/ |
| Assessments |
| Embedded questions throughout the lesson slides and handouts Journal questions |
| Warm-up |
| Using slide 3, have students respond to the question: “Why do we use computers?” |
| Lesson procedure |
| Class discussion/mini-lesson As you are looking at the slides, here are some sample questions included: As you are looking at the slides, here are some sample questions included: Independent Student Activities |
| Extensions |
| The ENIACThe computer mouseComputers across professions activity |
Multiple means of representation:
- Relative topic to students as warm up; “why do we use computers?”
- Multiple videos provided in order to encourage engagement, including from programs that students are familiar with like Sesame Street
Multiple means of action and expression:
- Students have access and can use a CS journal to jot down their thoughts and ideas
- Students can engage in a whole group discussion as well as turn and talks.
- Students can participate in matching game independently or as a group
- Students can choose which worksheets they want to complete
- Students can complete the activities digitally or on paper.
Multiple means of engagement:
- The lesson can be used in whole group or small group setting
- The lesson can be performed in person or remotely.
- Lesson can be used on other digital platforms to encourage more engagement and technology.
Digital tools used:
- Google Slides or PowerPoint to present the slides
- Pear deck or Nearpod (if desired to use during lesson)
Triple E Framework
Engage
- Technology allows for students to stay on task by actively participating during the lesson if the teacher decides to utilize Pear Deck or Nearpod to supplement the lesson. Possible struggle may commence if students do not have prior experience to using the programs.
- Technology would certainly motivate the students to start the learning process. Without proper training in utilizing the tools can cause for distraction, though.
- Use of technology can certainly encourage quieter, shy students to participate silently.
Enhance
- Technology tool helps students in developing and demonstrating learning of the content.
- Technology can help create scaffolds to make it easier to understand ideas and concepts (students can refer to videos and other scaffolds as often as they need to)
Extend
- Technology allows for students to learn outside of their typical school day.
- Technology helps create a bridge between school and outside of school learning
- Technology allows for students to build skills that they can use in their everyday lives
5E Redesign
Engage
Students can be engaged in the lesson by looking at pictures of older technology and guessing what they think the technology was used for in the past.
Explore
Students can look at technology that was used in the past and today and can discuss the differences. For example, students can look at a phone in the past and a phone today and can discuss the differences, capabilities, etc.
Explain
Students can explain how the improvement of technology helps us today. What are some technologies that we use today? How do they help us?
Elaborate
Students can invent a new technology and explain how it’s something that can help us in the future.
Evaluate
Students can share their inventions with their peers and provide verbal feedback. Teacher can create a rubric and student checklist in order to provide appropriate and grade level feedback to students, from teacher and from peers.
