1: Become a School Librarian 

 Description: This activity challenges students to take on the role of a school librarian and curate resources for their peers. The exercise encourages students to evaluate and organize information efficiently, aligning with ISTE Standard 3, "Knowledge Constructor." By simulating the responsibilities of a librarian, students gain hands-on experience in managing digital and physical information systems. This activity promotes critical thinking and research skills, preparing students to make informed decisions about sourcing and sharing information.

• Link: https://iste.web.unc.edu/activity/become-the-school-librarian-team-3-12/

2: Compute like a computer

•  Description: This activity is designed for younger students (Grades K-2) and introduces them to computational thinking by allowing them to act like computers to solve real-world problems. The lesson aligns with ISTE Standard 5, "Computational Thinker," by encouraging students to decompose problems and develop step-by-step solutions, simulating how computers process information. It emphasizes problem-solving and logical reasoning from an early age, helping students build foundational computational skills.

• Link: https://iste.web.unc.edu/activity/students-compute-like-computers-to-solve-real-problems-lesson-4-k-2/

3: Be a Hollywood producer

 Description: This lesson invites students in Grades 6-12 to take on the role of Hollywood producers, allowing them to use technology to create and present their own multimedia projects. It aligns with ISTE Standard 6, "Creative Communicator," as it encourages students to express themselves creatively while using a variety of digital tools to convey their ideas. The activity focuses on collaboration, project management, and media literacy, empowering students to become effective communicators through multimedia platforms.

Link: https://iste.web.unc.edu/activity/be-a-hollywood-producer-6-12/

4: Be US Census Bureau chief Analyst

•  Description: This activity tasks students in Grades 6-8 with the role of a chief analyst at the U.S. Census Bureau. It aligns with ISTE Standard 3, "Knowledge Constructor," by involving students in data analysis and interpretation. Students use technology to explore demographic data, draw conclusions, and present their findings, which enhances their data literacy and critical thinking skills. This resource provides a practical application of computational thinking and data analysis in real-world contexts.

• Link: https://iste.web.unc.edu/activity/be-us-census-bureaus-chief-analyst-lesson-2-6-8/

5:  Be a Savvy Reader

•  Description: This activity engages students in Grades 3-8 in critical reading and media literacy by challenging them to evaluate various texts and sources for credibility and relevance. It supports ISTE Standard 3, "Knowledge Constructor," by helping students develop skills to assess and curate information effectively. The lesson encourages students to apply analytical thinking to identify reliable information, enhancing their ability to become informed consumers of digital content and contributors to knowledge.

• Link: https://iste.web.unc.edu/activity/be-a-savvy-reader-3-5-6-8/

6: Visualize Numerical Data

• Description: This activity is a continuation of the initial lesson for Grades K-2, where students further explore computational thinking by simulating computer processes to solve problems. It supports ISTE Standard 5, "Computational Thinker," by helping young students practice breaking down tasks into smaller steps and understanding algorithmic processes. The lesson reinforces problem-solving skills and introduces foundational concepts of programming and logical reasoning in an engaging and age-appropriate manner.

• Link: https://iste.web.unc.edu/activity/students-compute-like-computers-to-solve-real-problems-part-2-k-2/

7: Test your solutions

Description: This lesson for Grades K-2 continues to build on computational thinking by having students solve real-world problems using a computer-like approach. It aligns with ISTE Standard 5, "Computational Thinker," by guiding young learners through the process of problem decomposition and step-by-step solutions. The activity emphasizes developing logical reasoning and algorithmic thinking skills, providing a playful yet educational introduction to computational concepts for early learners.

• Link:https://iste.web.unc.edu/activity/students-compute-like-computers-to-solve-real-problems-lesson-6-k-2/

ISTE Standard 5: Computational Thinker focuses on developing students' problem-solving abilities with computational thinking skills. This standard emphasizes teaching students to understand and apply computational processes to solve complex problems. It encourages students to break down large problems into smaller, manageable tasks, identify patterns, and use algorithms and data analysis to find solutions. A key aspect of Standard 5 is the promotion of algorithmic thinking, where students learn to design, test, and refine algorithms to address specific issues. This involves not just programming but also understanding how different computational methods can be applied to diverse problems. Additionally, students are encouraged to work with data, including collecting, analyzing, and visualizing information to make informed decisions and solve problems effectively. By focusing on these skills, Standard 5 aims to prepare students for future challenges in a digital world, fostering problem-solving abilities that are essential in many fields. Implementing this standard in education helps students develop critical thinking skills and prepares them for careers in technology and related industries. Through hands-on activities and real-world problem-solving scenarios, students become adept at applying computational thinking to various aspects of their lives and studies.