Lesson 1: What is Computer Science?

Understand basic concepts of computer science: Students will understand that “computer science” refers not only to computer hardware, but is a discipline that explores how to solve problems.
Recognize applications of computer science in daily life: Students will be able to list how computer science helps us process information, communicate, and entertain ourselves.
Spark learning interest: Through interactive games and case studies, inspire students’ curiosity and interest in computer science.

Question-based introduction: Guide students to think with questions such as “What is computer science? What is the relationship between computer science and computer games?”
Interactive discussion: Invite students to share their understanding of “computer science” and computer applications they have seen in their lives.

What is Computer Science? (10 minutes)
- Definition: Introduce that computer science is not just computer hardware, it is a discipline that studies how to solve problems, analyze data, and program.
- Examples: Show several simple computer science application cases, such as weather prediction, robots, game design, etc., to help students understand the wide applications of computer science.
Applications of Computer Science in Daily Life (10 minutes)
- Show through videos, pictures, or physical objects how computer science helps us in the following areas:
  - Information processing: How search engines help us find information
  - Communication: How to use networks for video calls
  - Entertainment and games: How computer science drives the development of games and animation

Brainstorming: Guide students to imagine future technology, such as smart homes, intelligent robots, etc., to stimulate their imagination about future applications of computer science.
Sharing: Let students share their ideas and help them realize that learning computer science might allow them to participate in creating the future.

Summarize the lesson content, review the definition of computer science and its applications in life.
Q&A session: Answer students’ questions and encourage them to continue exploring the world of computer science after class.

Videos and pictures: Showing practical applications of computer science in life.
Interactive whiteboard: Convenient for students to answer and discuss.

Discussion task: Have students think about and record other things in their daily lives related to computer science.