Intro to CS

Computer science (CS) concepts can often sound foreign and intimidating. These activities are designed to bring back the fun and highlight the creative side of computer science.

Learning objectives

Participants will explore fundamental computer science concepts through unplugged activities, creating video games and making physical computing devices:

• Create a binary switch - clap on, clap off

• Use variables to represent the sky - is it morning, noon or night?

• Use logic to control the sky - you decide if it's morning, noon or night!

• Use lists (arrays) to keep track of musical notes - play sweet music

Preparation

• Some activities are unplugged and require little to no setup

• Some activities require access to Scratch, a free block-based programming platform from MIT

• The final activity in each session is a Makey Makey creation. You will also need supplies like cardboard and aluminum to create your physical computing device. Kits can be shared across 2-4 students as they make and try out their creations individually or together.