IMP 1: The Importance of Computer Science and Computational Thinking
Objectives	Students will define what a computer is, both individually and as a class. Students will reflect on their knowledge and beliefs about: computers, computing, and computer science. Students will take notes and participate in discussion during a presentation on the importance of computer science. Students will practice abstract computational thinking by answering Microsoft Interview Questions. Students will read the first half of Blown to Bits - Chp. 1 (p. 1–10).
Activities	What is a computer? As the initial activity in the course, students will think about what computers are and what computer science is. First, they watch a video describing the fundamentals of what a computer is. Then, students will define 'computer' for themselves and participate in a class discussion. Explain: "Although we all use a variety of computers throughout the day, not many people stop to think about what exactly makes something a computer. Think about it: what is a computer? First, we are going to watch a brief video that partially answers the question, then you are going to answer that question for yourself and a special audience." As a class, watch "What is a Computer?" (2:40). Ask students to write a 1–2 paragraph definition/description of 'what a computer is' in their own words. Prompt students to think about how they would describe what a computer is to a young child or a person who has never seen any digital technology before (e.g. Australian Aborigine). Lead a class discussion covering the following topics: How did you define 'computer'? How has technology refined our notion of 'computer'? Think beyond 'looking up the definition'. What devices might be considered computers today? List as many as you can as a class. Challenge your students to think of over 20 devices. Examples may include laptops, smart phones, smart microwaves, car stereos, restaurant POS systems, MP3 players, etc. The importance of computer science During this presentation, teachers will present background information about the importance of computer science. Present the The Importance of Computer Science Powerpoint to the class. Ask 'check for understanding'/discussion questions during presentation. Computational Thinking - Microsoft Interview Questions This Think/Pair/Share activity encourages students to think 'outside the box'—computationally. They will answer engaging, difficult questions that Microsoft uses during job interviews and then discuss their ideas with classmates. While students are working, collect their email addresses, so that you may add them overnight to the CANVAS environment. Explain: "Today, I need to learn your email address, so that I can add you to the CANVAS learning environment before the next class, so please provide me your full name and an email address that you can check tonight to receive your invitation to the online environment. While the paper is going around for you to provide me that information, we are going to practice 'computational thinking' and 'thinking outside the box' by role-playing an interview with Microsoft." Pass around a sheet of paper so that each student may record their full name and preferred email address. Print and distribute Microsoft Interview Questions and 1–2 index cards to each student. Alternatively, you may ask them to tear a sheet of paper in half. Ask for volunteers to read the introduction at the top of the Microsoft Interview Questions page to the class. Explain to students: "At it's heart, 'computational thinking' is the use of computer science methods to solve real-world problems. It is fundamental to how modern people understand the world around them. More specifically, computational thinking encompasses how we design systems and think algorithimically to solve problems. To begin, you will practice computational thinking by answering 2 of the Microsoft Interview Questions, which encourage people to think in computational and abstract ways." Direct students to choose two different questions from the lists on their own (multiple students may choose the same questions, which is acceptable), and write one question on each index card. Begin the Think/Pair/Share activity: Give students 3–5 minutes to think about their question and formulate an answer. Ask students to take notes outlining their reasoning. Pair students up, and give them 3 minutes to share their questions and answers with each other, one at a time. When done, they may discuss their ideas and either revise their answers or think of alternative solutions. Last, students should share their questions and solutions with the class. Allow time for others to respond to the questions or solutions in order to improve upon them or offer alternative solutions. Keep the conversation positive, and do not allow others to be negative (e.g. "I don't like ____"). Answer any student questions, before introducing the homework below. Homework: Blown to Bits Chp. 1 (p. 1–10) To provide further a further introduction to computer science and computing, students will read part of the introductory chapter of Blown to Bits and reflect upon their understanding of computer science and its value. Read p. 1–10 of Blown to Bits - Chp. 1. (available for free download at http://www.bitsbook.com/) Write 2–3 paragraphs describing what a computer is and why an understanding of computer science is valuable. Be prepared to share with others during the next class.
Supplementary Resources	Computational thinking (Google resources) Operational definition of computational thinking (CSTA, one page flyer) What is computational thinking? (brief video) What is computational thinking? (video for teachers)