Network, Communication, and Organization
3-5 Computer Science Modules Series
A subconcept of
Networks and the Internet
Standard 4.NI.NCO.1: Model how information is broken down into smaller pieces, transmitted as packets through multiple devices over networks and the internet, and reassembled at the destination.
Standard 5.NI.NCO.1: Explain the concepts of network protocols.
Standard 5.NI.NCO.2: Identify the advantages and disadvantages of various network types (e.g., wire, WiFi, cellular data).
Overview of the Lesson
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What Real-World Problem Does the Standard Address?
Below is a video that explains internet protocols. While you watch the video, think about the information that is sent on the internet. Some information includes large amounts of data while other pieces of information are much smaller. How does the size, or amount of, data transmitted over the internet impact the protocol and vice versa?
Your Turn
After watching the video on slide 3, how does the size, or amount of, data transmitted over the internet impact the protocol and vice versa? | |
How is this video connected to this computer science standard? | |
What Does the Standard Say?
In this section you will examine the standard and think about the learning targets and potential ways of measuring student understanding of the concept by addressing the session question, "What does the standard say?"
Deconstructing the Standard
Examine how a colleague would interpret the parts of the standard for a student or parent. As you read, think about how you would help a parent interpret the standard language, if you would use the same common understandings, and why it would be important to interpret the standard.
Standard: 4.NI.NCO.1 Model how information is broken down into smaller pieces, transmitted as packets through multiple devices over networks and the internet, and reassembled at the destination. | |
Standard Language | Common Understanding |
packets | Data that is transmitted over the internet is broken into smaller pieces, called packets. The packets carry the data into the internet protocols. |
Deconstructing the Standard
Examine how a colleague would interpret the parts of the standard for a student or parent. As you read, think about how you would help a parent interpret the standard language, if you would use the same common understandings, and why it would be important to interpret the standard.
Standard: 5.NI.NCO.1 Explain the concepts of network protocols. | |
Standard Language | Common Understanding |
network | A system of computers that are joined together, making it possible for them to communicate by exchanging information. |
protocols | A well known set of rules and standards used to communicate between machines. Examples:
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Deconstructing the Standard
Examine how a colleague would interpret the parts of the standard for a student or parent. As you read, think about how you would help a parent interpret the standard language, if you would use the same common understandings, and why it would be important to interpret the standard.
Standard: 5.NI.NCO.2 Identify the advantages and disadvantages of various network types (e.g., wire, WiFi, cellular data). | |
Standard Language | Common Understanding |
network | A system of computers that are joined together, making it possible for them to communicate by exchanging information. |
The Embedded Content of the Standard
4.NI.NCO.1 Model how information is broken down into smaller pieces, transmitted as packets through multiple devices over networks and the internet, and reassembled at the destination.
Information is sent and received over physical or wireless paths. It is broken down into smaller pieces called packets, which are sent independently and reassembled at the destination.
This article explains how data is broken into packets when transmitting over the internet. The video shows the purpose of packets and how they work. Read the article and watch the video. Think about times that you've watched a video online, but the video pauses and says "buffering". This is an example of the packets being reassembled slower than the processor runs the video.
The video uses the analogy of a bus full of tourists trying to get to the Statue of Liberty during rush hour. Some people take different routes than others, but they all reach the same destination to rejoin the group. What are some other analogies, diagrams, or drawings that model the way packets are transmitted? Create at least one analogy, diagram, or drawing that could be used as a model for your students. You will add this to slide 17.
The Embedded Content of the Standard
5.NI.NCO.1 Explain the concepts of network protocols.
Protocols are rules that define how messages are sent between computers. There are hundreds of different protocols. Each protocol has a specific definition for how fast and secure information is transmitted across the internet and networks. The protocols also define how transmission errors are handled.
Think about when you send mail. The address where you want the mail delivered is written in a specific place on the envelope. If the address is written in a different location, delivery of the letter will be significantly delayed or not delivered at all. If the return address is missing or incorrect, the undeliverable mail can't be returned to the sender. These protocols for sending mail work the same with the internet.
Operating systems and software were developed with many different communication protocols for transmitting and sharing data that evolved with the development of differencomputers. In the past, many of these communication protocols were proprietary and specific to the business or platform for which they were developed. After the l990's and the prolific development of the internet, the need for most, if not all, systems and computers to communicate became more important. While many of the "old" protocols still exist, the computer world has adopted some updated universal protocols that are device and software agnostic.
The Embedded Content of the Standard
The video below explains the TCP/IP Protocol and the four layers associated with the protocols. As you watch the video, think about reasons why protocols are necessary for data transmission. How would the lack of protocols impact users?
Students at this level should be able to explain the purpose of network protocols and give a general explanation of how they work. Specific details or specific types of protocols is not expected.
The Embedded Content of the Standard
5.NI.NCO.2 Identify the advantages and disadvantages of various network types (e.g., wire, WiFi, cellular data).
Network types have different advantages and disadvantages. For example, wired networks allow for quicker transmission of large amounts of data. Wireless networks, such as WiFi and Bluetooth provide flexibility in location; however, transmission speed and capacity can be limited. Cellular data is accessible anywhere there is cellular service, but it can be cost prohibitive. Different networks also bring their own level of security.
Consider for a moment the pros and cons of wired and wireless networks. The computers in the computer lab at your school are likely hard wired into the network, but there is also a wireless network at your school that can be used for laptops, student devices, or other technology items. As you read the blog post, think about the advantages and disadvantages of wired and wireless networks at your school. What about in your community? At your home?
Now that you have some more information on advantages and disadvantages, complete the tables on the next two slides. Focus only on wired and wireless networks. Use information from the blog post as well as your own personal knowledge.
The Embedded Content of the Standard
| Pros | Cons |
Wired Networks | ||
Control | | |
Security | | |
Speed | | |
Maintenance | | |
Cable Clutter | | |
Mobility | | |
The Embedded Content of the Standard
| Pros | Cons |
Wireless Networks | ||
BYOD | | |
Mobility | | |
Organization | | |
Security | | |
Speed | | |
The Embedded Content of the Standard
Now, let's take a look at Bluetooth. Most adults are familiar with Bluetooth connectivity, whether it's in their vehicle, headphones, wireless mouse, or speakers. Like wired and wireless networks, Bluetooth has advantages and disadvantages. As you read the blog post, think about how Bluetooth has changed the way you do certain things.
Cellular data also has advantages and disadvantages, similar to those of wired networks, wireless networks, and Bluetooth.
Fifth graders should be able to recognize different network types and explain advantages and disadvantages for each.
Achieving the Standard
Learning Targets (Student Friendly Language) | Assessment Targets (Student Evidence) |
Standard: 4.NI.NCO.1 Model how information is broken down into smaller pieces, transmitted as packets through multiple devices over networks and the internet, and reassembled at the destination. | |
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Achieving the Standard
Learning Targets (Student Friendly Language) | Assessment Targets (Student Evidence) |
Standard: 5.NI.NCO.1 Explain the concepts of network protocols. | |
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Achieving the Standard
Learning Targets (Student Friendly Language) | Assessment Targets (Student Evidence) |
Standard: 5.NI.NCO.2 Identify the advantages and disadvantages of various network types (e.g., wire, WiFi, cellular data). | |
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Your Turn
Remember to complete the tables on slides 13 and 14. | |
With respect to the standard, tell about three things you learned? | |
What are a couple other real-world connections you can make to this standard? | |
What Could This Look Like for My Students?
Think about what activities you would want your students to do in your classroom to develop their understanding.
1. Generate 3 lesson activities or ideas that would help students reach mastery of the standard.
2. Use the learning targets from the previous section as a guide of what students need to know.
3. Focus on the standard as an end goal.
Your Turn
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3 | |
Describe in at 3-5 sentences each of the 3 lesson activities or ideas you came up with according to the instructions on the previous slide.
What Resources Could Support Further Implementation?
In this final section, you will use your knowledge of the standard to examine some potential resources. When you look through the resources, it is important to recognize that students need to actively participate in developing their understanding.
Resources About the Content
Analogy between the Postal Service and TCP/IP
What is here: The analogy between sending a letter to a friend and data transmission over the internet makes it easier to understand the four layers
Resource Name: The Internet: Packets, Routers, and Reliability
What is here: This short video produced by code.org explains how data is transmitted over the internet.
Resource Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYdF7b3nMto
Resources for Lesson Ideas
The Internet (code.org)
What is here: This code.org lesson focuses on the internet, including protocols, web addresses, and packets.
Resource Link: https://studio.code.org/unplugged/unplug10.pdf
Your Turn
What resources looked most useful to you and why? | |
What resources or information do you still need to seek out and why? | |