Pick a CardOur main activity focused on writing algorithms. We did this through sorting cards. Writing an algorithm is similar to writing a program. It may take a while to write an effective algorithm to solve a problem but it can save you time in the long run. The eventual goal is for the computer to do the work for you.
Today we started a conversation. We asked the question, "What makes a computer a computer?" The students created posters categorizing different, everyday items labeling them as computers or not. We then defined computers as things that take input, process and store data, and output new information. Here are the best looking posters of the day.Extension Activities
Review the problem solving process that we were introduced to the other week. Try applying it to a problem of your choosing. Use the problem solving process in the activity below.
Today, we really dove into the problem solving process. We applied the process to the aluminum boats that we made last week and then applied it to other problems that we brainstormed. The lesson ended with the students making posters describing the problem solving process. Try applying the problem solving process in the activity below. Have fun!
On Friday, we had a chance to flex our engineering muscles. Students were introduced to the problem solving process as they made aluminum boats. The boats were only made up of one piece of aluminum foil 6 inches square. The students then filled the boats with pennies. The highest number of pennies that one of these boats could hold would surprise you. Mod 1 - Fluffy Unicorns: 84 Mod 2 - Blue Shirts: 61 Mod 4 - Treyco: 82 Mod 5 - Dream Team: 57 Mod 6 - Banana Pancakes: 72 Read About It
Click on the button below to read about a real life problem solver. Ask yourself:
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TopicsI will be posting after most assignments so that students who are absent can follow along at home and students who want to extend their learning will have a chance. Archives
March 2019
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