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Birth of Bits and Bytes

Build a flow chart to show the achievements of computer scientists in the early days of the modern computer.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Poster Board

Steps

  • Step 1

    Ask students to research the development of the modern computer. Have them investigate ENIAC, the first computer, introduced in 1946. Who designed it? What was it used for? What is on the horizon for the future? Describe what a flow chart is, and ask students to think about creating one to illustrate the timeline of the development of computers.

  • Step 2

    Ask students to create a flow chart, noting important milestones and dates in each box and linking them in a timeline. They can decorate the borders and add illustrations of the inventors and innovators to the background if they wish.

  • Step 3

    Invite students to present their flow chart and discuss what they learned about the history of computers.

Standards

SCI: Ask questions about the features of phenomena observed and conclusions drawn from investigations or models.

SCI: Convey designs through sketches, detailed drawings, or physical models to communicate ideas and solutions.

Adaptations

Encourage students to learn about pioneers in the tech world. Have them read about Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing, Steve Jobs, etc.

Encourage students to talk to people who remember life before computers. How did they look up information and write reports? How did they write to one another?