A Computer Story: Complexity from Simplicity

Autor/inn/en	DeLeo, Gary; Weidenhammer, Amanda; Wecht, Kristen
Titel	A Computer Story: Complexity from Simplicity
Quelle	In: Science Teacher, 79 (2012) 7, S.48-53 (6 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0036-8555
Schlagwörter	Educational Technology; Number Systems; Computers; Computer Uses in Education; Equipment; Science Instruction; Science Education; Science Curriculum; Physical Sciences; Grade 9; Pretests Posttests; Secondary School Students; Secondary School Science; Pennsylvania + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Unterrichtsmedien; Number system; Zahlensystem; Digitalrechner; Computernutzung; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Naturwissenschaftliche Bildung; Natural sciences; Naturwissenschaften; Naturwissenschaft; School year 09; 9. Schuljahr; Schuljahr 09; Sekundarschüler
Abstract	In this technological age, digital devices are conspicuous examples of extraordinary complexity. When a user clicks on computer icons or presses calculator buttons, these devices channel electricity through a complex system of decision-making circuits. Yet, in spite of this remarkable complexity, the hearts of these devices are components that make simple decisions. This article describes an activity in which students learn how complex outcomes can result from simple decisions. Participants encounter a broad range of learning experiences, including electric-circuit construction, household wiring, digital systems, truth tables, and the concept of base-n number systems. The activity culminates in a dramatic demonstration of complexity from simplicity: Each student becomes an element in a digital decoder, translating a binary number into its decimal counterpart, which then appears on an illuminated, seven-segment display. (Contains 9 figures and 3 online resources.) (ERIC).
Anmerkungen	National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10