0 CS Unplugged Design Patterns

CS Unplugged (www.csunplugged.org) is a set of activities that " teaches principles of computer science such as binary numbers, algorithms and data compression through games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around (csunplugged website)." The activities are available on the website and are an excellent way to introduce (excite) students about computer science without using a computer and teach fundamental concepts.

One of my research goals is to develop activities to teach K-12 computer science; which I've been doing through TLI. So I'm always interested to learn strategies and techniques to help me accomplish this goal.

CS Unplugged Design Pattern (found a paper online on the csunplugged website).

Identify improvements to existing ones --> Need some "design guidelines" --> Design patterns in CS (J.Copliens pattern template).

Coplien's design patterns are used in software engineering (and other areas)

Solution

1. choose a concept from CS to communicate
2. identify the key elements
3. consider what games, puzzles, toys or common objects use similar concepts/elements
4. turn it into a challenge
5. evaluate the activity with students
6. refine the activity based on the evaluation
7. publish the activity, with information on obtaining resources with an explanation of the relevance of the concepts being demonstrated.