Assignment: Assignment: What is Computer Science? Questions

MsFernandezAP-CSP-2016-2017
2016-07-26T22:10:35Z

Due: Aug 3, 2016 by 12:59am

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unsupported License

Original Author: Code.org Studio 20 Hour Intro Course: Lesson 1 Intro to the Art of Computer Science

Modified by Art Lopez

(10 total points)

Learning Goals: Students will...

Learn the difference between programming, computer science, and computational thinking.

Understand that a computer is a tool and not an excuse to turn off your brain.

Learn to be responsible computer users.

Discover that computer science can change the world.

Open, edit and format a Google document using MLA style to answer the questions for this assignment.

Instructions with a District-Provided Google Account

For this assignment, you will view the Code.org video on "What is Computer Science?" and try to define or explain what Computer Science is. Then you will read an article on Computer Science and answer the questions found in the article in a Google document.

First create the document in your district-provided Google account.

1. Turn on and log on to the computer.

1. Username: student ID number.

2. Password: 6 or 8 digit birth-date

1. Open your district provided Google Drive Account.

2. Open your Incoming folder.

3. Open the Google Doc What is Computer Science. OR

4. Open your district provided Gmail account.

5. Locate and open the email containing the Google Doc What is Computer Science.

6. Open the Google Doc What is Computer Science.

7. READ CAREFULLY and FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS TYPED ON THE DOCUMENT.

8. Edit the document by correctly formatting it in MLA style (View Purdue OWL if you forget or see the following image).

9. Use a numbered list to number the questions.

10. Read and answer each question presented in the following article: "What is Computer Science?"

11. Clearly and concisely explain with one to five sentence answers for each question.(16 points)

12. Check that the the Google Doc is shared with Mr. Lopez's Gmail addresses using the one for your class:

13. sohapcsp.period1@gmail.com

14. sohapcsp.perio5@gmail.com

Remember, correct grammar and punctuation counts!

Instructions Answering Questions for a Word Document or a Sheet of Paper and Pen or Pencil

Create the document with Microsoft Word or use a sheet of paper and a pen or pencil.

1. Turn on and log on to the computer.

1. Username: student ID number.

2. Password: 6 or 8 digit birth-date

2. Open Microsoft Word. If you do not want to use Microsoft Word, use a sheet of paper and a pen or pencil. You will have to type it out on a later date.

3. If you know how to create an MLA formatted document, do so. If not, use the following: Purdue OWL.

4. If not, make sure you type in the following:

1. Your name.

2. Teacher's name: Ms. Fernandez

3. The name of the class: Computer Science Principles.

4. The date typed in the following format: 22 July 2015.

5. Center and type in the title: What is Computer Science?

5. Use a numbered list to number the questions.

6. Read and answer each question presented in the following assignment.

7. Clearly and concisely explain with one to five sentence answers for each question.(16 points)

8. If using Microsoft Word, save the document on the computer.

1. Click File.

2. Click Save As.

3. Search for the "My Documents" folder.

4. Create a new folder.

5. Name the new folder with your first and last name.

6. Open the folder with your name on it.

7. Name the file: LastName-FirstName-WhatIsComputerScience.

8. Click Save.

9. Answer the questions in the document.

Video on Computer Science from Code.org

Video Code.org

Video Explaining Computer Science From Code.org

What is Computer Science? (Lesson 1 Introduction to the Art of Computer Science by Code.org)

Computer science is one of the most amazing art forms in the world. Not only is it incredibly expressive — allowing for an infinite number of combinations of words, images, and ideas —but when done well, it produces a functional and useful product that can entertain and inform the masses.

When most people think of computer science, they generally envision programming. Often, they assume that the field is full of people who sit alone at their computers all day, staring at large screens and drinking coffee. In reality, computer science is an engaging and collaborative activity that includes far more than the ones and zeros for which it has become famous.

The art of computer science often starts with a problem that needs to be solved. Maybe there is too much information produced by a study for one human to be able to sort through it all in a lifetime. Perhaps an elderly person finds it hard to physically connect with long distance relatives. There might even be an organization that needs to find the best route to get the most miles out of its airplanes using the least amount of fuel possible.

Question 1: Can you think of a problem that a computer scientist could solve?

Once an issue has been identified, it may seem too overwhelming to tackle. That’s why computer scientists learn to look at individual pieces, instead of just the big picture. Chopping a task up into manageable pieces is a great way to make progress through a series of little successes.

Figuring out how something should work is much different than actually getting it to work. That’s where computer simulation and automated performance come in. Whether you’re trying to simulate a real world experience, or create an impossible one, computers are an extremely helpful platform.

Question 2: Have you ever seen a computer simulation before? Describe it.

If your solution runs on a computer, then it is expected that people will need a way to interact with it. This introduces the need for a beautiful, sleek, and artistic interface. A program must also provide direction to its users through graphic elements, a spoken script, or menus and buttons. All of these bits require careful forethought, planning, and incorporation.

So, you see, computer scientists aren’t just programmers. They’re creative problem solvers, psychologists, artists, authors, and yes, even actual scientists. Every industry needs computer scientists. They’re needed in biology, video gaming, schools, health care, public service, and anywhere that innovation is involved.

Question 3: What other jobs could benefit from the help of computer science?

Question 4: Are there any jobs that you can think of where understanding computers would not be useful? Do you think there will be more or fewer of those in 5 years?

RESPONSIBILITY:

Computers are great for repetitive tasks. They’re also fantastic for providing interactive entertainment. The danger comes when people get so caught up in using a computer that they stop moving and thinking for themselves.

When you learn how to use a computer at a very young age, it is extremely important that you keep in mind the value of balance. When it comes to technology and human-power, balance keeps you on top of the very best things about both sides. Let’s look at this three different ways:

Technology vs. Physical Movement

Some people would prefer to spend time on video games, watching television, or surfing the Internet rather than going outside to play. Technology is fun, but if we give up our opportunities to run, jump and climb, then we could miss out on valuable experiences later in life. Make sure you balance your tech by spending an equal amount of time on physical activity.

Question 5: What happens to your muscles when you stop using them?

Question 6: Your eyes have muscles, too. How do you think you could get them extra exercise?

Technology vs. Environment

Technology uses a lot of resources. When we take advantage of technology, it is our responsibility to offset the damage that we do by being careful with our electricity other places. Be sure you turn the lights off when you leave a room, shut down and unplug your computer whenever you are done using it, and recycle any unwanted paper that you produce.

Question 7: What other electricity do you use that you could try to save?

Question 8: Is there anything else you could recycle to help offset paper use?

Technology vs. Philanthropy

Computer Scientists make a lot of money. But when you can do something that most other people cannot, it isn’t very responsible to take advantage of others because of it. It is far better to get in the habit of “paying it forward”. If you learn computer science, make it your goal to teach at least one other person. Not only will you have helped brighten someone else’s future, you will find that explaining computer science helps you to understand the lessons better yourself. If you ever have the opportunity, try to get involved in creating open source software for others.

Question 9: How would you help the world if you were a computer scientist?

Question 10: Who is the first person that you are going to teach this to once you learn it?

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unsupported License

Original Author: Code.org Studio 20 Hour Intro Course: Lesson 1 Intro to the Art of Computer Science

Modified by Art Lopez

(10 total points)

Learning Goals: Students will...

Learn the difference between programming, computer science, and computational thinking.

Understand that a computer is a tool and not an excuse to turn off your brain.

Learn to be responsible computer users.

Discover that computer science can change the world.

Open, edit and format a Google document using MLA style to answer the questions for this assignment.

Instructions with a District-Provided Google Account

For this assignment, you will view the Code.org video on "What is Computer Science?" and try to define or explain what Computer Science is. Then you will read an article on Computer Science and answer the questions found in the article in a Google document.

First create the document in your district-provided Google account.

1. Turn on and log on to the computer.

1. Username: student ID number.

2. Password: 6 or 8 digit birth-date

1. Open your district provided Google Drive Account.

2. Open your Incoming folder.

3. Open the Google Doc What is Computer Science. OR

4. Open your district provided Gmail account.

5. Locate and open the email containing the Google Doc What is Computer Science.

6. Open the Google Doc What is Computer Science.

7. READ CAREFULLY and FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS TYPED ON THE DOCUMENT.

8. Edit the document by correctly formatting it in MLA style (View Purdue OWL if you forget or see the following image).

9. Use a numbered list to number the questions.

10. Read and answer each question presented in the following article: "What is Computer Science?"

11. Clearly and concisely explain with one to five sentence answers for each question.(16 points)

12. Check that the the Google Doc is shared with Mr. Lopez's Gmail addresses using the one for your class:

13. sohapcsp.period1@gmail.com

14. sohapcsp.perio5@gmail.com

Remember, correct grammar and punctuation counts!

Instructions Answering Questions for a Word Document or a Sheet of Paper and Pen or Pencil

Create the document with Microsoft Word or use a sheet of paper and a pen or pencil.

1. Turn on and log on to the computer.

1. Username: student ID number.

2. Password: 6 or 8 digit birth-date

2. Open Microsoft Word. If you do not want to use Microsoft Word, use a sheet of paper and a pen or pencil. You will have to type it out on a later date.

3. If you know how to create an MLA formatted document, do so. If not, use the following: Purdue OWL.

4. If not, make sure you type in the following:

1. Your name.

2. Teacher's name: Ms. Fernandez

3. The name of the class: Computer Science Principles.

4. The date typed in the following format: 22 July 2015.

5. Center and type in the title: What is Computer Science?

5. Use a numbered list to number the questions.

6. Read and answer each question presented in the following assignment.

7. Clearly and concisely explain with one to five sentence answers for each question.(16 points)

8. If using Microsoft Word, save the document on the computer.

1. Click File.

2. Click Save As.

3. Search for the "My Documents" folder.

4. Create a new folder.

5. Name the new folder with your first and last name.

6. Open the folder with your name on it.

7. Name the file: LastName-FirstName-WhatIsComputerScience.

8. Click Save.

9. Answer the questions in the document.

Video on Computer Science from Code.org

Video Code.org

Video Explaining Computer Science From Code.org

What is Computer Science? (Lesson 1 Introduction to the Art of Computer Science by Code.org)

Computer science is one of the most amazing art forms in the world. Not only is it incredibly expressive — allowing for an infinite number of combinations of words, images, and ideas —but when done well, it produces a functional and useful product that can entertain and inform the masses.

When most people think of computer science, they generally envision programming. Often, they assume that the field is full of people who sit alone at their computers all day, staring at large screens and drinking coffee. In reality, computer science is an engaging and collaborative activity that includes far more than the ones and zeros for which it has become famous.

The art of computer science often starts with a problem that needs to be solved. Maybe there is too much information produced by a study for one human to be able to sort through it all in a lifetime. Perhaps an elderly person finds it hard to physically connect with long distance relatives. There might even be an organization that needs to find the best route to get the most miles out of its airplanes using the least amount of fuel possible.

Question 1: Can you think of a problem that a computer scientist could solve?

Once an issue has been identified, it may seem too overwhelming to tackle. That’s why computer scientists learn to look at individual pieces, instead of just the big picture. Chopping a task up into manageable pieces is a great way to make progress through a series of little successes.

Figuring out how something should work is much different than actually getting it to work. That’s where computer simulation and automated performance come in. Whether you’re trying to simulate a real world experience, or create an impossible one, computers are an extremely helpful platform.

Question 2: Have you ever seen a computer simulation before? Describe it.

If your solution runs on a computer, then it is expected that people will need a way to interact with it. This introduces the need for a beautiful, sleek, and artistic interface. A program must also provide direction to its users through graphic elements, a spoken script, or menus and buttons. All of these bits require careful forethought, planning, and incorporation.

So, you see, computer scientists aren’t just programmers. They’re creative problem solvers, psychologists, artists, authors, and yes, even actual scientists. Every industry needs computer scientists. They’re needed in biology, video gaming, schools, health care, public service, and anywhere that innovation is involved.

Question 3: What other jobs could benefit from the help of computer science?

Question 4: Are there any jobs that you can think of where understanding computers would not be useful? Do you think there will be more or fewer of those in 5 years?

RESPONSIBILITY:

Computers are great for repetitive tasks. They’re also fantastic for providing interactive entertainment. The danger comes when people get so caught up in using a computer that they stop moving and thinking for themselves.

When you learn how to use a computer at a very young age, it is extremely important that you keep in mind the value of balance. When it comes to technology and human-power, balance keeps you on top of the very best things about both sides. Let’s look at this three different ways:

Technology vs. Physical Movement

Some people would prefer to spend time on video games, watching television, or surfing the Internet rather than going outside to play. Technology is fun, but if we give up our opportunities to run, jump and climb, then we could miss out on valuable experiences later in life. Make sure you balance your tech by spending an equal amount of time on physical activity.

Question 5: What happens to your muscles when you stop using them?

Question 6: Your eyes have muscles, too. How do you think you could get them extra exercise?

Technology vs. Environment

Technology uses a lot of resources. When we take advantage of technology, it is our responsibility to offset the damage that we do by being careful with our electricity other places. Be sure you turn the lights off when you leave a room, shut down and unplug your computer whenever you are done using it, and recycle any unwanted paper that you produce.

Question 7: What other electricity do you use that you could try to save?

Question 8: Is there anything else you could recycle to help offset paper use?

Technology vs. Philanthropy

Computer Scientists make a lot of money. But when you can do something that most other people cannot, it isn’t very responsible to take advantage of others because of it. It is far better to get in the habit of “paying it forward”. If you learn computer science, make it your goal to teach at least one other person. Not only will you have helped brighten someone else’s future, you will find that explaining computer science helps you to understand the lessons better yourself. If you ever have the opportunity, try to get involved in creating open source software for others.

Question 9: How would you help the world if you were a computer scientist?

Question 10: Who is the first person that you are going to teach this to once you learn it?