Computers


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Activities

Grades Pre-K–3: Art
Have students draw a computer-related picture or write a short computer message. Then have students color the page.
abcteach Printable Worksheet: Computer Shape Pattern
http://abcteach.com/shapebooks/computer.htm

Grades K–8: Science
Students should pay attention to their posture when working at a computer. Hang an ergonomics poster near classroom computers and have students practice good posture.
Cergos: Ergonomics Poster
http://www.orosha.org/cergos/poster1.html

Grades K–8: Art
Computer Sculpture
Using old CDs, floppy disks, left-over computer parts, and other materials, have students create an abstract three-dimensional techno-sculpture.

Grades 1–3: Science
Have students assemble their own computer, using computer cutouts.
Getting to Know Your Computer
http://www.eduplace.com/rdg/gen_act/g_start/computer.html

Grades 2–8: Science
Computer Bulletin Board
Brainstorm with students the prevalence of computers, from the common PC to hidden computers inside cars, watches, and even some appliances. Then have students imagine future uses of computers. Have students create a “Computer Collage” bulletin board with pictures cut from newspapers, magazines, and other sources.

Grades 2–8
If any of your students are unfamiliar with a computer mouse, they can practice at this Web site.
Welcome to Mouserobics!
http://www.ckls.org/~crippel/computerlab/tutorials/mouse/page1.html

Grades 2–8: Language Arts
Have students find computer-related words hidden in a puzzle.
Computers (grades 2–4) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/october/pdf/computers_med_wf.pdf
Computers Answer Key (grades 2–4) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/october/pdf/computers_med_wf_key.pdf
Computers (grades 5–8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/october/pdf/computers_hard_wf.pdf
Computers Answer Key (grades 5–8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/october/pdf/computers_hard_wf_key.pdf

Grades 3–8
Have students take a simple test to find out how fast they can type.
The JavaScript Source: Games: Typing Test
http://javascript.internet.com/games/typing-test.html

Grades 3–8: Science
What do your students know about the World Wide Web? Have them answer nine “Rules of the Road” questions and earn a Web license.
PBS Kids . Behind the Scenes . Get Your Web License
http://pbskids.org/license/

Grades 3–8: Language Arts
Have students type a letter and print it on computer stationery.
Computer Stationery: Black and White With Lines
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/october/pdf/computers_bw_stn.pdf
Computer Stationery: Black and White Without Lines
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/october/pdf/computers_bw_nl_stn.pdf

Grades 3–8: Language Arts
Musical Chairs and Computers
This activity works well in a computer lab or a classroom with a few computers. Put the same story-starter on each computer and have two students sit at each computer. One is the typist. Start some music. Students write from the story-starter until the music stops. Then students move to the computer to their right. Students read what's already been written, and add to the story on that computer. This continues for a number of rounds, depending on how many computers are involved and how much time you want to use. Students edit the stories, but don't revise. What you end up with are different stories from the same starter.

Grades 3–8: Art
Using colors and a computer paint program or basic computer printer, students can hone their landscape artistic skills.
Holy Cow! It's a Landscape
http://members.aol.com/sabbeth/Landscape.html

Grades 3–8: Science
Test students' knowledge about computers.
Surf Right Challenge (grades 3–5) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/october/pdf/computers_3-5_quiz.pdf
Surf Right Challenge Answer Key (grades 3–5) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/october/pdf/computers_3-5_quiz_key.pdf
History of Computers Challenge (grades 6–8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/october/pdf/computers_6-8_quiz.pdf
History of Computers Challenge Answer Key (grades 6–8) (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/october/pdf/computers_6-8_quiz_key.pdf

Grades 4–8: Social Studies
Your students have two minutes to put together a 1962 computer history photo.
Computer History Jigsaw
http://www.surfnetkids.com/games/computerhistory-js.htm

Grades 5–8: Language Arts
Have students write a brief review of a computer game or computer software. Students can also read other students' reviews.
CRUNCH-Tech Review
http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/crunch/techreview.asp

Grades 5–8: Science/Language Arts
Do your students know their Internet and technology terms? Challenge them with an online game of hangman.
Hangman: Technology Buzzwords
http://www.tekmom.com/buzzwords/hangman/hangman.html

Grades 6–8: Social Studies
When your students grow up, what will they be? Have students explore a variety of computer-related jobs. Then, have students research a career that interests them, and present a brief description to the class.
Professional and related occupations
http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco1002.htm

Grades 7–8: Science
Have students test their knowledge of computers.
Computers (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/october/pdf/computers_xword.pdf
Computers Answer Key (PDF file)
http://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/october/pdf/computers_xword_key.pdf

Grades 7–8: Science/Social Studies
Challenge your students to figure out which of three historic computers is ENIAC, the one that started it all, in an interactive game.
That's My Theory
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/mytheory/computers/

Grades 7–8: Science
Your students can try their hands at some simple programming and make blocks move around online.
blockcorner
http://www.blockcorner.com/content.html
 


Internet Resources

Computer Ergonomics for Elementary School
Using the computer safely is key to good health. This Web site gives some tips for elementary school students.
http://www.orosha.org/cergos/

Triumph of the Nerds: A History of the Computer
This clickable timeline gives you an overview of the history and prehistory of the Information Age, from the abacus to the Internet.
http://www.pbs.org/nerds/timeline/index.html

Technology Terms
RAM, ROM, bit, byte–this online glossary gives you quick explanations of many terms used around computers and on the Internet.
http://www.manassas.k12.va.us/Dean/Class/Etherington/technology/tecterms.htm

Greatest Achievements - 13. Internet
Here you can find a history and timeline for the innovation that has transformed society.
http://www.greatachievements.org/greatachievements/ga_13_1.html

Computer Chronicles: From Stone to Silicon
Read about the history of computers here, beginning with the invention of the abacus.
http://library.thinkquest.org/22522/?tqskip=1&tqskip1=1&tqtime=0726

Welcome to Computer Training Tutorials
This is an extensive collection of computer tutorials offered by the Central Kansas Library System. Here you'll find instructions on hardware, software, the Internet, downloads, and many other computer issues.
http://www.ckls.org/~crippel/computerlab/tutorials/

How to Thrive—Not Just Survive—in a One-Computer Classroom
The title nearly says it all. Here are multiple practical ideas for balancing time, students, and one computer.
http://www.microsoft.com/education/InstructionalResources.aspx

Apple - K-12 Education
This Apple Computer site offers information about student achievement, real-life success profiles of schools using high tech tools, special needs, teacher professionalism, administrative leadership, parent engagement, and so much more.
http://www.apple.com/education/k12/

Microsoft Education - Instructional Resources
Microsoft offers tutorials and lesson plans using its applications. Also included are teacher activity guides, information on evaluation, licensing, training and certification, and technical support.
http://www.microsoft.com/education/?ID=InstructionalResources

ZDNet: Tech News and White Papers for IT Professionals
This is a commercial site with free membership. Services include information on buying, using, and learning more about technology. Members can also download programs, build Web sites, and establish e-mail accounts.
http://www.zdnet.com

Computers: Get Plugged In!
Here is a brief overview of a PBS television program about students and computers.
http://www.pbs.org/inthemix/educators/pluggedin.html

ENIAC - EnchantedLearning.com
Read a brief overview about the first computer.
http://www.EnchantedLearning.com/inventors/page/e/ENIAC.shtml
 

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Wayne
Updated Nov. - Dec. 2004
Feb.  - July  2005