Objective:
To engage students in a problem-solving activity that requires them to collaboratively employ computational thinking and programming skills to solve a mystery.
Introduction:
Welcome to our lesson on "Mystery Computing"! In this lesson, we will be working together to solve a mystery by collecting and analyzing data, identifying patterns, and logically constructing an algorithm to solve a problem.
Materials:
- Access to a computer with internet connection
- Pen and paper
- Worksheet for recording clues
Instructions:
- Divide the class into teams of three.
- Explain to the students that they will be solving a mystery by using their computational thinking and programming skills. The goal is to find the culprit and the motive.
- Hand out the worksheet for recording clues and instruct each team to assign one member as the recorder.
- Explain that the students will be given a set of clues that they will use to solve the mystery.
- Allow the students to read the first clue, which will be presented as a problem for them to solve. For example, "Mrs. Smith found a set of footprints near the crime scene. Using your knowledge of programming, write an algorithm to help identify the owner of the footprints."
- Give the students time to brainstorm, discuss, and agree on a solution.
- Allow each team to present their solution to the class and discuss why it works.
- Repeat the process with the next clue until the teams have found the culprit and the motive.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Mystery Computing" is a fun and engaging way to help students develop their computational thinking and programming skills. By working collaboratively to solve a mystery, students are able to apply their knowledge in a creative and challenging way. We hope you enjoyed this lesson and look forward to seeing you next time!