Search Results
Showing results 1 to 14 of 14

Count the Dots: Binary Numbers
Source Institutions
Data in computers is stored and transmitted as a series of zeros and ones. Learners explore how to represent numbers using just these two symbols, through a binary system of cards.

I Want to Hold Your Hand
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners construct a robot-like hand to demonstrate how data is collected when using robotic technology.

Color by Numbers: Image Representation
Source Institutions
Computers store drawings, photographs, and other pictures using only numbers. Through this activity, learners decode numbers to create pictures using the same process that computers use.

Lightest and Heaviest: Sorting Algorithms
Source Institutions
Computers are often used to put lists into some sort of order—for example, names into alphabetical order, appointments or e-mail by date, or items in numerical order.

Treasure Hunt: Finite-State Automata
In this computer science activity about finite-state automaton (on page 45 of the PDF), learners use a map and choose various pathways to find Treasure Island.

Passion for Pixels
Source Institutions
In this technology activity, learners explore digital imaging and pixels. Learners "transmit" an image to a partner by creating an image on grid paper.

Program a Friend
Source Institutions
In this activity (on page 2), one person "programs" the other like a robot to move through a space, trying to get them to avoid obstacles and reach a goal.

Human Interface Design: The Chocolate Factory
Source Institutions
In this activity about human interface design issues, learners help the Oompa-Loompas of a great chocolate factory solve different problems.

Quipus
Source Institutions
Learners create an Incan counting device called a quipu (pronounced kee-poo).

Slide Rules
Source Institutions
Learners make their own simple slide rules out of paper and learn how they work.

Secret Writing Devices
Source Institutions
In this activity about encryption, learners cut out a secret decoder badge from a handout and use it to encode messages to each other.

The Orange Game: Routing and Deadlock in Networks
Source Institutions
When a lot of people share one network (such as cars using roads, or messages getting through the Internet), there is the possibility that competing processes will create a “deadlock," or an interrupt
MarsBound!: Mission to the Red Planet
Source Institutions
MarsBound! is an engineering simulation activity in which learners use realistic techniques to plan a mission to Mars.

Beat the Clock: Sorting Networks
Source Institutions
Even fast computers are limited to how quickly they can solve problems. One way to speed things up is to use several computers at once.