SORT YOURSELVES!

WITH

1. Make a team of 2 to 6 people
2. Everybody picks a random number
3. All people together go through the network, following rules next page
4. Post a picture on Facebook or Twitter hashtag #WeGotSorted #CSUnplugged

TRY SORTING NETWORK FOR HUMANS!

Start in a random position

Follow lines,

proceeding row by row

Compare number with person at the same station

Bigger numbers go left, smaller go right

#WeGotSorted

with

#CSUnplugged !!!

COMPLETE RULES:

1. Each member stands in a square in the first row (IN) of the court. Your numbers should be in random order.
2. Organise yourselves into groups of 2 to 6 people. Only one team uses the network at a time. Choose one set of cards, then each team member takes a card from the set.
3. You move along the lines marked, and when you reach a cross you must wait for someone else to arrive. If there are less than 6 people in the team and nobody can reach you, go right.
4. When another person arrives in your cross compare your cards. The person with the higher number takes the exit to their left. If you have the smaller number on your card take the right exit.
5. When you get to the other end of the court, take a picture! Then post it on Facebook or Twitter with hashtag #WeGotSorted #CSUnplugged !

If somebody in the team makes an error then everybody needs to start again from first row.

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EXAMPLE:

Check that you have understood the operation of a node (circle) in the network, where the bigger value goes left and the smaller goes right. For example:

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EXAMPLE:

Check that you have understood the operation of a node (circle) in the network, where the bigger value goes left and the smaller goes right. For example:

Why?

Most people think of Computer Science as an obscure discipline they will never understand.

This is sad! So, how can we dispell fear and promote CS, especially among the youngest?

​

This network has been invented for teaching kids computer science by the CS Education research group at University of Canterbury, New Zealand, at the so-called ‘Department of Fun Stuff’. They also made plenty of similar activities you can find on csunplugged.org. At CoderDojo Trento (and CoderDojo Master group @ DISI for high-school students) we try to teach kids programming in a creative way, and also promote CS Unplugged activities.

Most people don’t know about these ways to present things, so as an example here we propose a distributed sorting network, to sort people in parallel. Adults included! Don’t forget this is a social activity: find people and get sorted with them! You can also write down your names and sort them alphabetically (it’s a great way to remember names)! We hope you enjoy it!

Also, chances are there is a CoderDojo club in your city (see zen.coderdojo.com). If you have children, at CoderDojo you will find mentors who will volunteer to teach programming to your kids! Or maybe you can become a mentor, too!

Brought to you by...

CoderDojo

Master

csunplugged.org/sorting-networks

coderdojo.disi.unitn.it

coderdojotrento.it

With material adapted

from super cool site