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
Materials
Chalk (outside) or masking tape (inside)
Paper & pencil
Instructions
Instructions
Things to discuss
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?
More resources
More resources
Watch this: Sorting Networks demonstration