Search Results
Showing results 1 to 20 of 30
Public Key Encryption: Kid Krypto
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners conduct a simulation exercise related to public key encryption and try to intercept a message sent between two learners.
Battleships: Searching Algorithms
Source Institutions
This activity explores the main algorithms that are used as the basis for searching on computers, using different variations on the game of battleships.
The Poor Cartographer: Graph Coloring
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners help a poor cartographer color in the countries on a map, making sure each country is colored a different color than any of its neighbors.
Pico Cricket Compass
Source Institutions
Learners can program a compass to draw a circle by itself using a Pico Cricket, some Legos, and lots of tape! Pico Cricket is required.
Divide and Conquer: Santa's Dirty Socks
Source Institutions
This activity introduces the idea of "divide and conquer" using a fictitious but serious problem--a pair of dirty socks has accidentally been wrapped in one of the presents that Santa is about to deli
Solving Playground Network Problems
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use cooperation and logical thinking to find solutions to network problems on the playground.
Passion for Pixels
Source Institutions
In this technology activity, learners explore digital imaging and pixels. Learners "transmit" an image to a partner by creating an image on grid paper.
Coral Snapshots: Biodiversity in Marine Protected Areas
Source Institutions
In this data activity, learners analyze data from coral reef snapshots taken by scientists at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
Sound Representation: Modems Unplugged
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners listen to songs and decode hidden messages based on the same principle as a modem. As a final challenge, learners decode the binary messages in a music video.
Locating a Point
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners work in teams to simulate the process used by Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to determine the location of a fallen meteorite in Antarctica.
EEEEK--A Mouse!
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore the concept of how engineering solved the problem of human/computer interface.
Patterns in Pixels
Source Institutions
This activity (page 2) draws upon a familiar, computer-based concept related to visual resolution: pixilation.
Program a Friend
Source Institutions
In this activity (on page 2), one person "programs" the other like a robot to move through a space, trying to get them to avoid obstacles and reach a goal.
Human Interface Design: The Chocolate Factory
Source Institutions
In this activity about human interface design issues, learners help the Oompa-Loompas of a great chocolate factory solve different problems.
Quipus
Source Institutions
Learners create an Incan counting device called a quipu (pronounced kee-poo).
Slide Rules
Source Institutions
Learners make their own simple slide rules out of paper and learn how they work.
Secret Writing Devices
Source Institutions
In this activity about encryption, learners cut out a secret decoder badge from a handout and use it to encode messages to each other.
Decode the Barcode
Source Institutions
In this online activity, learners crack the special code imprinted on envelopes to help the U.S. Postal Service deliver the mail.
LEGO Robots
Source Institutions
This activity (on page 2 of the PDF under GEMS Activity) is a full inquiry investigation into technology design and testing.
The Muddy City: Minimal Spanning Trees
Source Institutions
In this puzzle, learners investigate the decisions involved in linking a network between houses in a muddy city.