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Objectives

Learn how Physical Computing investigates computer-human interaction design.
Gain a better understanding of a computer system.
Gain a better understanding of physical computing and how it connects to the CS Practices and Concepts.
Learn different strategies for teaching computer science w/ Physical Computing.
Learn about planning and participating in Maker Month.

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Reflection Questions (p. 2)

How do you interact with technology? Computers?
How do students interact with technology? Computers?
How would you describe the interaction of hardware and software?
What are some ways we may interact with computers in the future?
How would you describe an input for a computer?
How would you describe an output for a computer?
What are some strategies for teaching Physical Computing?

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Computer Science is the…

Practice of…	Concepts from…	Perspectives
Analyzing the impacts of computing Prototyping projects connected to interests Communicating understanding of concepts	Abstraction Algorithms Programming Data Networks	Explorer Creator Innovator Citizen

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Unplugged & Crafting Content

Teaching Computer Science w/ Physical Computing

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Unplugged & Crafting Content (p. 11)

Similar to other computer science content and curriculum, students can learn about Physical Computing using unplugged and crafting content.
From drawing how they interact with a computer to building paper models, students begin to develop an understanding of what a computer can and can not do.
From that understanding students can explore how we interact with computers and how we may interact with them in the future, creating prototypes with a variety of art and crafting materials.

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Example: SunsetSpark - What Is A Processor? (p. 11)

In this activity students will learn to describe how silicon and patterns are used in fabricating a processor model.
Students will be able to explain how each processor has a specific function, for example

the CPU, central processing unit, sends signals to control other parts of the computer or
a GPU, graphics processing unit, renders images, animations and video for the computer’s screen.

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Example: SunsetSpark - What Is A Processor? (p. 11)

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Example: SunsetSpark - Circuit Board (p. 12)

This activity builds on the lesson that teaches students about processors.
Students will learn to describe how a circuit board consists of different components.
Students will be able to explain how a system of components can work together to complete a task.
As part of the Craft Computing Unit, students can continue to connect the circuit board to their computerized Not-A-Box prototype.

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Example: SunsetSpark - Circuit Board (p. 12)

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Connection to My First Computer

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Example: Canon Creative Park

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Example: BirdBrain - Rapid Prototyping

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Reading & Literacy Connections

Whether a picture book, fairytale or historical fiction, a story can be a very powerful tool for teachers to help students learn about and better understand computer science practices and concepts.
Computational literacy is the ability to understand how computer science can be applied in all walks of life.
Students can develop computational literacy through stories that provide a real-world context for what they are learning.
When selecting the content, teachers should reflect on how it may connect to computer science perspectives, practices and concepts.

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Example: Hello Ruby - Journey Inside the Computer

In Ruby's world anything is possible if you put your mind to it—even fixing her father's broken computer! Join Ruby and her new friend, Mouse, on an imaginative journey through the insides of a computer in search of the missing Cursor.

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Sora is a user-friendly e-reader app that allows all NYCDOE K-12 students and staff access to eBooks and digital audiobooks.

Readers can discover grade level e-books and digital audiobooks in a variety of languages and grade levels simply by logging into their DOE account, or joining after logging into the TEACH HUB.
Books are borrowed and returned for a set period of time.
Click here for more information and resources.

What is SORA?

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Computer Science

Education Collection on SORA

View the new CS book collection on Sora

SORA has several book collections curated by NYCDOE school librarians and other DOE departments.

To assist us in building out our digital collection, please complete this short form by May 15th.

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Next Steps

Write down some thoughts and ideas in response to the reflection questions in the Educator Workbook.
Try out some of the unplugged and crafting activities with your students.
Think about different books you currently read with your students that might support computer science or physical computing
Watch the next video in the series “Let's Try: Your Not-A-Box”.

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Check Us Out

Checkout participating teachers learning, photos, and videos on social media! Use @CSForAllNYC #SEPjrNYC

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Join The Conversation

Join the SEPjr Microsoft Teams Group to help stay connected and up to date with resources, opportunities and much more.

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