Elementary Challenge 3: Hello World!
Elementary Challenge 3: Hello World!
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Computers - big or small, from phones to cars to iMacs to super-computers like Summit - are part of our daily existence. But how can computers do anything? In this STEM challenge, you'll learn a little bit about computer programming and specifically about algorithims, or instructions that are written by computer programmers that tell computers exactly what to do to perform a task.
Supplies needed:
Supplies needed:
10 note cards
Pencil or pen
Pipe cleaners
Someone else to help you
Let's Learn About: Computer Programming
Let's Learn About: Computer Programming
A computer program is a series of coded software instructions to control the operation of a computer or other machine.
Programs can come in many forms:
Internet Apps - Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, etc.
Software Tools - Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut, CAD
Operating systems - iOS (Apple), Windows, Android, Linux, etc.
Let's Learn About: Algorithms
Let's Learn About: Algorithms
An algorithm is a pretty big word, but it's actually pretty simple: it is like a strategy or set of instructions that you need to follow to solve a problem. These procedures or instructions happen in sequential, or step by step, order.
A good example of an algorithm is a recipe. Let's pretend that you're making cookies. Usually, there are several steps and the first is mixing your wet ingredients like eggs, butter, or oil with sugar. Next, you add dry ingredients like flour and baking powder. Finally, you can mix in ingredients like chocolate chips. When you are making cookies, you follow the recipe's instructions or else your cookies will not taste right. The same goes for an algorithm: if a computer program doesn't follow the instructions or procedures of the algorithm, then whatever task you are trying to do won't work.
Activity: Sorting Algorithims
Activity: Sorting Algorithims
What you will need:
10 note cards
Pencil or pen to write on the notecards
STEM Challenge
STEM Challenge
This STEM challenge will give you the experience of being a computer programmer who is creating a set of instructions that will allow you to complete a task. You will need one adult, sibling, or someone else to do this activity,.
You will need:
You will need:
Two people: one programmer, one computer
Pipe cleaners
Paper to write down directions (ask a grown-up to help if you're not sure you can do it)
Directions:
Directions:
First, the "programmer" will go into a different room and make something - like an animal, a flower, a tree, a lightsaber - with the pipe cleaners (see below for sample ideas).
They will then write down directions so someone else could repeat the steps.
Directions should be very specific
Make sure to include how many pipe cleaners the "computer" needs
Once the "programmer" has completed step 1, they must instruct the "computer" how to making the same object they just made using their directions with a TWIST: the "computer" cannot look at the original object and cannot ask questions, and the "programmer"cannot say what the "computer" is building
As the "programmer" helps the "computer" follow instructions to build the model, the" programmer" needs to be sure that the computer understands what the directions are.
Here are some examples of what you can say as the programmer:
“Bend the pipe cleaner in a circle around your finger”
“Make a square shape with one of your pipe cleaners"
Once the "computer is done", compare the finished product with what the "programmer" created. How did the "programmer" do giving directions?"
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