Unplugged

We have selected a wide range of topics from the field of computer science, and packaged them so that they can be learned without using a computer.

Why we use unplugged games. Simply, because computer science is fun! More broadly, the issues of computer science are often easier to explain with paper and crayons, ordinary materials, and simple activities - plus, lot of running around and group interaction.

When to use unplugged. Bold Idea programs, including multi-week ideaSpark and CS First, typically include at least 15 minutes for a group activity aside from their coding project.

Tips

• Make adjustments to games based on your students' age and skill level.

Algorithms

Activities:

• Explaining Algorithms
• PB&J Robot
• My Morning Algorithm
• Marching Orders
• Algorithms in Everyday Life
• Graph Paper Algorithms
• My Robotic Friends

Loops

Activities for simple loops:

• Explaining Simple Loops
• Snowflakes

Functions

Activities:

• Explaining Functions
• Functional Keychains
• My Robotic Friends

Conditionals

• The If:Then Game
• Conditionals with Cards

Variables

Activities:

• Explaining Variables
• Robot Variables
• Abstraction with Mad Glibs

Events

• The Big Event

CSUnplugged.org, paper: Computer Science Unplugged . . .off-line activities and games for all ages , 1998