Computing Systems: Devices
Piper Computer Kit
In Lesson 3.2, students learned about how loops and sequences can be used to program one stoplight. In this challenge, students will be designing a plan for a four-way traffic stoplight.
Students should think back to their experience with the Stoplight project. The Phase 4 Graphic Organizer can help students track their work.
Slides 4-7 can help guide students.
Before the learners dive into creating prototypes, have them pause and share out their initial designs to the whole group.
*Facilitating and guiding learners through documentation and reflection of these personal projects helps reinforce computer science learning around determining potential solutions to solve simple hardware and software problems using common troubleshooting strategies, as well as the practices of creating, testing, and refining computational artifacts, after developing and using abstractions (CA CS 3-5.CS.3 P6.2; P4 through 6)Students can learn more about the Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control (ATSAC) System at Los Angeles’ Traffic Control Center. This video clip describes how Los Angeles Department of Transportation is trying to solve their traffic problem using ATSAC.
Use slide 3 to show students a video describing the ATSAC.
Slide #8 can guide the class in reflecting on the lesson experience.
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Game Design The process of planning and creating a video game, including its rules, characters, levels, and how it looks and plays.
Invent To create something new that hasn’t been made before. In STEM fields, it involves designing and building new devices or technology to solve problems or improve how things work.
Maker Someone who builds or creates things, often using tools, electronics, or crafts.
We are excited to be aligned with the following standards.
| Concepts | Standards |
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Computing Systems: Devices |
CA 3-5.CS.1 Describe how computing devices connect to other components to form a system. (P7.2) 6-8.CS.1 Design modifications to computing devices in order to improve the ways users interact with the devices. (P1.2, P3.3) 6-8.CS.2 Design a project that combines hardware and software components to collect and exchange data. (P5.1) |
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Computing Systems: Hardware & Software |
CA 3-5.CS.2 Demonstrate how computer hardware and software work together as a system to accomplish tasks. (P4.4) 6-8.CS.2 Design projects that combine hardware and software components to collect and exchange data. (P5.1) |
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Computing Systems: Troubleshooting |
3-5.CS.3 Determine potential solutions to solve simple hardware and software problems using common troubleshooting strategies. (P6.2) 6-8.CS.3 Systematically apply troubleshooting strategies to identify and resolve hardware and software problems in computing systems. (P6.2) |
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Algorithms & Programming: Algorithms Variables Control Modularity Program Development |
3-5.AP.10 Compare and refine multiple algorithms for the same task and determine which is the most appropriate. (P3.3, P6.3) (Sensor Explorer lessons) 3-5.AP.12 Create programs that include events, loops, and conditionals. 3-5.AP.13 Decompose problems into smaller, manageable tasks which may themselves be decomposed. (P3.2) 3-5.AP.14 Create programs by incorporating smaller portions of existing programs, to develop something new or add more advanced features. (P4.2, P5.3) 3-5.AP.17 Test and debug a program or algorithm to ensure it accomplishes the intended task. (P6.2) 3-5.AP.18 Perform different roles when collaborating with peers during the design, implementation, and review stages of program development. 6-8.AP.10 Use flowcharts and/or pseudocode to design and illustrate algorithms that solve complex problems. (P4.1, P4.4) 6-8.AP.11 Create clearly named variables that store data, and perform operations on their contents. (P5.1, P5.2) 6-8.AP.13 Decompose problems and subproblems into parts to facilitate the design, implementation, and review of programs. (P3.2) 6-8.AP.14 Create procedures with parameters to organize code and make it easier to reuse. (P4.1, P4.3) 6-8.AP.15 Seek and incorporate feedback from team members and users to refine a solution that meets user needs. (P1.1, P2.3) 6-8.AP.17 Systematically test and refine programs using a range of test cases. (P6.1) 6-8.AP.19 Document programs in order to make them easier to use, read, test, and debug. (P7.2) |
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Impacts of Computing Culture |
3-5.IC.20 Discuss computing technologies that have changed the world, and express how those technologies influence, and are influenced by, cultural practices. (P3.1) 6-8.IC.20 Compare tradeoffs associated with computing technologies that affect people's everyday activities and career options. (P7.2) 6-8.IC.21 Discuss issues of bias and accessibility in the design of existing technologies. (P1.2) |
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Practices |
P1. Fostering an Inclusive Computing Culture P2. Collaborating Around Computing P4. Developing and Using Abstractions P5. Creating Computational Artifacts P6. Testing and Refining Computational Artifacts |
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Data and Analysis |
3-5.AP.10 Compare and refine multiple algorithms for the same task and determine which is the most appropriate. (P3.3, P6.3) (Sensor Explorer) |
| Concept | Standard |
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Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents. |
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Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another. |
(4-PS3-4) |
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Generate and compare multiple solutions that use patterns to transfer information. |
(4-PS4-3) |
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Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem (Performance Expectation). |
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Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved. (P.E.3.4.7) |
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Integrate qualitative scientific and technical information to support the claim that digitized signals are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information than analog signals. |
(MS-PS4-3) |
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Digitized signals (sent as wave pulses) are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information (inputs and outputs). |
(MS-PS4-3) |
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Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. |
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Optimizing the Design Solution Different solutions need to be tested in order to determine which of them best solves the problem, given the criteria and the constraints. |