Sorting Algorithms

The Sorting Networks activity puts learners inside a sorting algorithm. Write 6 random numbers on 6 sheets of paper and students will walk the algorithm to sort them.

Materials

  • Chalk (outside) or masking tape (inside)

  • Paper & pencil

Instructions

Things to discuss

  • What happens if you change an instruction?

  • Can the network be used backwards?

  • When comparisons on the numbers are done simultaneously, that is called parallel processing and often this speeds up the task. Time the activity doing the comparisons simultaneously vs. one at a time.

  • What every day tasks can be sped up using parallel processing? What tasks would not be faster with parallel processing?

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