How does a computer perform a search in order to find data? The lesson begins with a demonstration on finding one number out of 15. Pairs then play three games of Battleship by using different search techniques. The lesson plan finishes with a section to tie the games to the ways a computer searches for data.

Concepts

computer code, computers, computer software, search engines, algorithms, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Challenge the class to think of different ways to search for things and make a list
• Try to determine what kind of search algorithm computers use when doing specific types of searches, such as searching for a word in a document or searching for a data file in a data base

Classroom Considerations

• The class should know something about check digits in order to understand how a computer uses hashings to search

Pros

• The exercise actively involves the pupils in the learning
• Resource includes additional game pages

Cons

• There is no assessment to see if the pupils understood the concept