CS471: Computer Science Pedagogy - Unplugged Activity (10 Points)

Assignment Goals

The goals of this assignment are:
  1. Understand the principles of CS Unplugged and kinesthetic learning
  2. Design a lesson plan incorporating CS Unplugged activities
  3. Reflect on the importance of hands-on, kinesthetic learning in computer science education

Background Reading and References

Please refer to the following readings and examples offering templates to help get you started:

The Assignment

Kinesthetic Lesson Plan Activity

Overview

For this assignment, you will design an unplugged or kinesthetic activity to teach a computing concept of your choice. This activity should allow students to learn through movement and hands-on participation.

Instructions

  1. Choose a computing concept you want students to learn. This can be an abstract concept like algorithms, or a more specific skill like binary numbers. You are encouraged to choose the lesson activity you have been developing throughout the semester.
  2. Develop a 10-15 minute unplugged activity that teaches this concept through movement and hands-on participation. Refer to CS Unplugged for inspiration.
  3. Write a complete lesson plan for this activity. Include:
    • Learning objectives
    • Prerequisite skills/knowledge
    • Materials needed
    • Step-by-step instructions for the activity
    • Ways to make the activity accessible to all students
    • Assessment strategies (formative and/or summative)
    • Explanations for how the activity aligns to standards
  4. Write a reflection on the process of developing this activity. Discuss the following:
    • Why you chose this concept and activity
    • How the activity embodies principles of kinesthetic learning
    • Challenges you faced and how you overcame them
    • How you might improve the activity in the future
    • The importance of incorporating kinesthetic learning in computer science

Design Questions to Help You Begin

Please answer the following questions in your README file before you begin writing your program.
  1. What are the key principles of CS Unplugged and kinesthetic learning?
  2. How can CS Unplugged activities be incorporated into a computer science lesson plan?
  3. What are the benefits and challenges of using hands-on, kinesthetic learning in computer science education?

Submission

In your submission, please include answers to any questions asked on the assignment page in your README file. If you wrote code as part of this assignment, please describe your design, approach, and implementation in your README file as well. Finally, include answers to the following questions:
  • Describe what you did, how you did it, what challenges you encountered, and how you solved them.
  • Please answer any questions found throughout the narrative of this assignment.
  • If collaboration with a buddy was permitted, did you work with a buddy on this assignment? If so, who? If not, do you certify that this submission represents your own original work?
  • Please identify any and all portions of your submission that were not originally written by you (for example, code originally written by your buddy, or anything taken or adapted from a non-classroom resource). It is always OK to use your textbook and instructor notes; however, you are certifying that any portions not designated as coming from an outside person or source are your own original work.
  • Approximately how many hours it took you to finish this assignment (I will not judge you for this at all...I am simply using it to gauge if the assignments are too easy or hard)?
  • Your overall impression of the assignment. Did you love it, hate it, or were you neutral? One word answers are fine, but if you have any suggestions for the future let me know.
  • Using the grading specifications on this page, discuss briefly the grade you would give yourself and why. Discuss each item in the grading specification.
  • Any other concerns that you have. For instance, if you have a bug that you were unable to solve but you made progress, write that here. The more you articulate the problem the more partial credit you will receive (it is fine to leave this blank).

Assignment Rubric

Description Pre-Emerging (< 50%) Beginning (50%) Progressing (85%) Proficient (100%)
Clarity of Learning Objectives (25%) Learning objectives are missing or unclear. Learning objectives are present but lack specificity or alignment with the chosen computing concept. Learning objectives are clear and somewhat aligned with the chosen computing concept. Learning objectives are clear, specific, and well-aligned with the chosen computing concept.
Alignment of Activity to Concept (25%) Activity lacks alignment with the chosen computing concept. Activity shows minimal alignment with the chosen computing concept. Activity shows good alignment with the chosen computing concept but may lack depth. Activity shows excellent alignment with the chosen computing concept, demonstrating thoughtful integration.
Creativity and Engagement Potential of the Activity (25%) Activity lacks creativity and is unlikely to engage students. Activity shows some creativity but may not fully engage all students. Activity is creative and likely to engage most students. Activity is highly creative and designed to engage all students through movement and hands-on participation.
Completeness and Clarity of Lesson Plan, Depth of Reflection (25%) Lesson plan is incomplete or unclear; reflection lacks depth. Lesson plan is mostly complete but may lack clarity; reflection shows some depth but may be superficial. Lesson plan is complete and mostly clear; reflection shows good depth and application of course principles. Lesson plan is complete, clear, and well-organized; reflection is insightful, demonstrating deep understanding and application of course principles.

Please refer to the Style Guide for code quality examples and guidelines.