Computer Science Unplugged Class Summary 12/9/13

with Leigh Ann Yoder

Message Routing and Third Unit {Representing Procedures}

We wrapped up our unit on Algorithms today with a game focused on Message Routing. The students were modeled as the Internet and acted both as computers and routers within their own local networks. Their goal was to simulate sending and delivering messages. They discovered that without an algorithm this task is harder than it appears!

Next, we began our third unit, Telling Computers What to Do – Representing Procedures. Now that we have a solid understanding of algorithms and can even put them into words, we will focus on giving the right instructions to the computers. The students will shortly discover that it is not as easy as it sounds!

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Finite State Machine

Today we used a variety of games to introduce a simple but powerful tool called a finite state machine. The finite state machine is not really a mechanical entity, but an abstract set of instructions, which a computer can be programmed to follow precisely. The goal was to teach the students to model the behavior of common items and situations using this tool.

This concept is one that is taught in college level courses and sometimes not until graduate level. Hopefully, by using a variety of hands-on activities and instruction all the students will acquire a general understanding. We will continue this topic for at least one more class.