Day 1 of Learning - Computer Science Crash Course

Sharing a few resources from day one of the Computer Science Crash Course at the Krause Center for Innovation at Foothill College in Los Altos, CA.

We started they day with a few unplugged activities, discussions, and videos around

• Code
• Computer Science
• Computational Thinking

After polling all participants it was clear to our facilitators the group has a wide range of experience with these topics and we needed to build an understanding before digging in.

Videos
In this video, we saw an over view of how computers work.



In this video, we learned about how algorithms are used to create matches on Ok Cupid

Unplugged Activities

We all participated in a few unplugged activities.

Algorithms. Our goal was to get Ann to the door. The purpose was to help us think step by step about what the directions were. In addition, to if we could create directions that could be used to get her to the door even if she didn't start in the same spot each time. This activity reminded me of Move it Move it from Code.org.

Sorting. As a class we were split into two groups. We competed against each other to see which group could sort in a line the fastest once in alphabetical order by first name and then by birthdate (not including the year).

Variables. In this activity, we had a partner, 3 envelopes, 3 cards, 1 dice. The goal was to learn about variables and values. It reminded me of Variables in Envelopes by Code.org. 

Successful #algorithm at @krausecenter Computer Science Crash Course! pic.twitter.com/EaYyjj2rXZ

— Angie Kalthoff (@mrskalthoff) June 18, 2018