Computer History Lesson Plan

-

Well, happy summer! I have been spending sometime revamping my lessons (who says teachers get summers off?!) One lesson that I want to include this year is about the history of the computer. This lesson is intended for my 5th grade computer class. You can make adaptions as you see fit!

Enjoy!
____________________________________________________________________________

Computer History
Class Period: 40 Minutes
Classes: 6-8


Day 1:
Introduction to computer history
Use Brainpop’s video (please note, you will need to have an account) to introduce the topic. http://www.brainpop.com/technology/computerscience/computerhistory/preview.weml


After the video, read and discuss the main questions that go along with this video:
Who made the first computer?


Was the Antikythera mechanism really the first computer?


What do we use computers for?


Activity:
Have the students chose one way technology has changed the way we work and compare it to how it was done in the past. For example, in the past people wrote letters to communicate. Today we use email.  


Have the students complete Read Write Think’s compare and contrast and select similarities and differences to follow the prompts given. Have students respond. http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/student-interactives/compare-contrast-30066.html


There is an awesome save option for your students to use if they do not have enough time to complete this task. Save if needed.


Day 2:
Introduction and Review: Discuss some highlights from Brain Pop’s Video on Computer History and the activity that the students need to complete: RRT Compare and Contrast organizer (if needed.)


Print and share.


Days 2 / 3-4:
Activity:
Discuss with students that they are going to begin research on the history of the computer using a guided Google Docs worksheet.
  • Make sure to “Share” the document with your students. Have them “Make a Copy” and “Share” it back to you.
  • Students will use the guided worksheet to discover the history of the computer.


Days 4-6 (possibly 7 or 8 if needed):


Introduction:
After students have completed their Computer History Google Docs Worksheet, the students will then create an info-graphic timeline from scratch using Piktochart found at: https://magic.piktochart.com/
Define and discuss the term: Info-graphic


  • Some examples of technology timeline info-graphics to show your students:


Activity:
Introduce Piktochart to students. Either Share and Make a Copy of the Student Assignment Requirements or print them out and pass them out to the students.
  • Demonstrate how to create an account.
  • Have students select Info-graphic, and new template/blank canvas.
    • Piktochart is an easy-to-use-tool. Before you introduce it to your students, I would suggest getting to know it’s features. I am a big proponent of allowing children to “Play” when introduced to a new tool in technology. After you have taught them the tools of the trade, allow them to “play” around for a few minutes to understand and learn Piktochart’s features.
  • Once the students have an excellent understanding of Piktochart, have them take their researched knowledge of Computer History and turn it into a info-graphic timeline.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Elementary Robots: Dance Like a Robot Unplugged Activity- FREE Resource

-
Image
At ISTE '22 this year, I was given the opportunity to share my passion for teaching elementary students robotics with a fantastic group of educators. Being a computer teacher for many years, I even spent my pre-teaching days teaching 3 and 4-year-olds computers in a local daycare here in Western New York before landing my first teaching job, I was excited to share and learn from others. Especially after not being with humans for so long due to the pandemic. Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate for Computer Science. I was humbled by the experience of sharing the workshop, eRobots: Robots for the Elementary Classroom, with a broader audience outside of my hometown. Over the next few days, I will share a variety of the resources I have created, either when I was a teacher in the classroom or for this specific workshop. First up is Dance Like a Robot. After discussing the importance of teaching young students computational thinking, I focused on how our littles learn
Read more

Sphero indi is My NEW Hero and free activity

-
Image
We offered ten stations at the session eRobots: Robots for the Everyday Elementary Classroom. I would be remiss if I omitted the Wakelet I created here: https://wakelet.com/wake/d320d572-f125-4935-8a9d-3c9aa78851d8 . I have to say, most of the robots I had used in my classroom as a teacher. I became more acquainted with a handful while working as a technology integration specialist supporting teachers in their classrooms. And then there were three that were 100% brand new to me…. Sphero indi. What can I say about this robot, besides the fact that I am in absolute love! Every part of me wanted to jump back into the classroom and see what my students could do with this fantastic bot when I ordered it and delivered it to my door a few weeks before ISTE. What do I love about Sphero indi? Well, for starters, the versatility. With this little bot, you can do both plugged and unplugged activities. I honestly could visualize the students I once taught being highly intrigued with the ability t
Read more

Creating Online Learning Adventures using Google Sites

-
Image
                 So, we have Webquests , HyperDocs , Choice Boards , Playlists , Interactive Games in Google Slides all utilizing Google Docs, Forms, and Slides as a way to present information and encourage choice and voice for student learning. If you follow my blog, you know that my realm of education has expanded as I have been an art teacher, a computer teacher, an assistant principal, a technology integration specialist, and am now a staff development specialist. I spent the last few months (like many in my position) assisting teachers on how to teach and what tools to teach with during our stint with distant learning. During this time, I facilitated numerous online courses, workshops, webinars for teachers and admin on various technologies and instructional practices for distance learning that include, but not limited to, creating mutli-modal ways to deliver content in which students have choice.  This brainchild of mine came to me during my online Google course, where I te
Read more