Unit 0 Big Question:

What is Computer Science?

Unit 0 Overview

Lesson 0.4:

Pair Programming

Lesson 0.3:

Growth Mindset

Lesson 0.1:

Why Does Computer Science Matter?

Lesson 0.2:

What is a Computer Program?

Lesson 0.5:

Welcome to Scratch

Unit 0 Daily Routine

Lesson 0.1

Warm Up - Do Now

Unit 0: Getting Started with Computer Science

Launch: Lesson 0.1

Today, we will start our journey in computer science. We’ll be starting to explore what computer science is, and why it is important.

Real-World Connections

So, what is computer science, and why does it matter? Why is this class important, and what will you learn? These are all great questions!

Real-World Connections

Let’s watch this video together. What do these people think about computer science?

Real-World Connections

Let’s discuss:

• Who were the people you saw in this video? What was their connection to computer science?
• What are some of the things people in this video are doing with computer science?

Computer science impacts people and their lives!

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It is a way to solve problems, be creative and express yourself, help people, and make our world a better place.

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Lesson 0.1

Guided Lesson

Unit 0: Getting Started with Computer Science

Real-World Connections

In this class, we’ll start many of our lessons by watching a short video relating to computer science, technology, and the real world.

Real-World Connections

We’ll hear from people who use computer science in their daily lives. They’ll explain important computer science ideas to us, and sharing their stories and experiences.

What is Computer Science?

So, what is computer science, and why does it matter?

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is about how the power of computers can help solve problems.

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In this class, you will learn computer science and become coders - and start learning how to make computers do what you want it to do.

Where is Computer Science Used?

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Computer science is used nearly everywhere! So many jobs today rely on computer scientists to help make things work. Computer science has an impact on:

• Sports
• Entertainment
• Medicine
• Fashion

...and so much more!

Pre-Coding Connection

So, how do computer scientists communicate with computers? And, in this class, and how can we learn to use computers and make them do what we want?

We have to learn how to talk to computers in a language they are designed to understand.

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Pre-Coding Connection

One way to give instructions to a computer is through an algorithm.

An algorithm is a list of steps in a particular order that describe how to complete a task.

We use algorithms already in our daily lives. Let’s look at some examples.

Pre-Coding Connection

For example, an algorithm to prepare a bowl of cereal might be:

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• Get out a bowl and spoon.
• Open a box of cereal.
• Pour cereal from the box into the bowl, until it is half full.
• Pour milk into the bowl until it is full.
• Put the spoon into the bowl of cereal and milk.

Pre-Coding Connection

Giving someone directions to a location is another example of an algorithm! You might list out the directions to walk to school as an algorithm:

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• Walk 1 block east on Main St.

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• Turn left when you reach Center St.

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• Walk north for 3 blocks, then the school will be on your right.

Vocabulary

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algorithm (n): a set of steps to complete a task

What is Code?

Just like when we give instructions to other people, when we want a computer to perform a task, we need to give it an algorithm to follow.

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We write the instructions for the computer using code - a language which the computer is designed to understand.

Vocabulary

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code (n): language that can be understood by a computer

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Creating Algorithms

Today we’re going to practice making and running algorithms to complete a series of challenges.

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We’ll a simple code to make our algorithms, then watch as our computers follow the instructions we gave them!

What if I Get Stuck?

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Writing code is hard sometimes! Even very experienced programmers get stuck.

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How can you find a way forward, when you can’t work out what you need to do to make your algorithm work?

What if I Get Stuck?

Some ideas:

• Think carefully, and say out loud exactly what you are trying to do. Read the instructions again if needed.
• Instead of starting over or erasing your work, try changing one thing at a time. Then, try your algorithm again. Repeat this process with tiny changes.
• Ask a classmate if they understand the problem, and see if they can spot what’s wrong. You can also help your classmates when they get stuck!

What if I Get Stuck?

If you’ve tried all of that and are still stuck, ask someone more experienced, like a teacher, to help point you in the right direction.

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Good luck, and remember to keep on trying!

Lesson 0.1

Activity

Unit 0: Getting Started with Computer Science

Choose either Option, unplugged or online

Picture this - unplugged

Option A

Unplugged

Roles: Robot and Programmer. (You will play both roles twice)

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• -Robot picks up blank paper and pen.

-Programmer decides on “artwork”. examples.

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Robot and Programmer can not see each other’s work.

• The Programmer tells the Robot what to draw.

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Ist Round: Robot may not ask questions. After 2 minutes show drawing.

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2nd Round: New Art. This time the ­Robot can ask questions. After 2 minutes show drawing.

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Switch roles.

Blocky

Try out any of the activities.

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Spanish Blocky? Change URL from lang=en to lang=es

Option B

Online

Lesson 0.1

Close Out

Unit 0: Getting Started with Computer Science

Let’s Review! Lesson Vocabulary

• algorithm (n): a set of steps to complete a task.
• code (n): language which can be understood by a computer.
• computer science (n): the study of computers and algorithms, and their impact on society.

Why Does Computer Science Matter?

• Do you think computer science is important to know about? Why or why not?
• What are you excited to learn about in this class?