Week 1: Welcome to the Digital World

Unit: What is Computer Science? (Weeks 1-2)

What’s in Store This Week?

Welcome to the first week of your computer science adventure! We’re going to kick things off by becoming “Computer Detectives.” You’ll discover that computers aren’t just the boxes on our desks—they are hiding everywhere in plain sight! Through fun games and activities, you’ll learn the secret language of computers (input, processing, and output) and get comfortable using classroom technology. Get ready to explore, discover, and start your journey to becoming a tech whiz!

What You’ll Be Able to Do!

By the end of this week, you’ll be able to:

Point out at least 5 different types of computers around you.
Explain in your own words what a computer is and how it helps us every day.
Group different computers based on what they do.
Understand the three secret steps all computers follow: Input → Processing → Output.
Feel confident using a tablet or computer.
Know how to handle our classroom gadgets with care.

Lessons This Week

Lesson 1.1: Computer Detectives on the Case!

Get Ready To: Go on a scavenger hunt to find all the different kinds of computers in our school. You’ll be surprised where they pop up!

Lesson 1.2: How Do Computers “Think”?

Get Ready To: Dive into the mystery of how computers work. We’ll investigate their secret three-step process and get our hands on some cool tech.

How We’ll Check Our Understanding

We’ll know we’re learning a lot through:

Fun Activities: Your participation in our “Computer Detective Hunt” and other group activities will show what you’re picking up.
Quick Quizzes: We’ll have short, picture-based quizzes to see if you can spot inputs and outputs.
Show and Tell: You’ll get to draw a computer and explain how it works, and we’ll collect your detective notes to see all your great discoveries!

Activities for Everyone

Our classroom is a team, and we make sure every player has a role!

For those who want a challenge: You can hunt for extra-tricky, hidden computers or create new ways to sort them.
For those needing a little help: We’ll have cool picture cards and work with partners to make sure everyone can join the detective fun.
For English Language Learners: We have picture-based activities and can pair you up with a helpful buddy.

Connecting to Other Subjects

Science: You’ll use your observation and sorting skills, just like a real scientist!
Math: We’ll be counting, sorting, and finding patterns.
Language Arts: You’ll learn new words, work with partners, and share your ideas.
Social Studies: We’ll explore how technology helps people in our community.

Fun at Home

Want to continue the adventure at home? Here are a few ideas:

Family Computer Hunt: Go on a detective hunt with your family to find all the computers in your home.
Interview an Adult: Ask a family member how they use computers at their job.
Tech Spotting: Keep an eye out for interesting technology when you’re out and about.
Fact Collector: Start a list of amazing computer facts to share with the class!

Materials and Resources

Required Materials

Detective clipboards and recording sheets
Tablets or computers for student use (1 per 2 students)
Chart paper and markers for class discoveries
Input-output investigation worksheets
Device cards for matching activities
Computer identification picture cards

Optional Enhancements

Real examples of different computer types
Guest speaker (community technology user)
Virtual tour of computer lab or tech center
Simple computer history timeline

Teacher Notes

Preparation Tips

Set up detective hunt locations in advance
Test all classroom devices and charging stations
Prepare backup activities for technology failures
Have student tech helpers identified
Create visual supports for vocabulary terms

Safety Considerations

Establish clear rules for device handling
Practice proper device care and charging
Set expectations for movement during detective hunt
Review classroom technology expectations

Extension for Advanced Students

Research different types of computers throughout history
Create presentations about unusual computing devices
Help younger students with technology basics
Design their own computer detective hunt for other classes

Week 1 Vocabulary Mastery: Computer, Device, Technology, Smart devices, Input, Output, Processing, Interface, Navigate

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Next Week: Thinking Like a Computer →