“Computer Science Unplugged” by Dr. Tim Bell

Program Flyer                                                         Dr. Tim Bell

CS Unplugged Trailer Video                  http://csunplugged.org

CS Unplugged is a collection of free learning activities that teach Computer Science through engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around.

For kids ages 7 to 14: This educational 50 minute show is an action-packed, zany
time exploring neat ideas in computer science. It has been “performed” for over 20
years in classrooms, science museums, science festivals, and at educational events.
Kids, and the young at heart, are introduced to fundamental ideas in computing
using low-tech games, magic tricks, and stories.

Following Dr. Bell’s “show” there will be a 5 minute presentation on the new Virginia standards
of learning for computer science, and an open question and answer session, for students,
parents, teachers, educators, and K-12 administrators.

The activities introduce students to Computational Thinking through concepts such as binary numbers, algorithms and data compression, separated from the distractions and technical details of having to use computers. Importantly, no programming is required to engage with these ideas!

CS Unplugged is suitable for people of all ages, from elementary school to seniors, and from many countries and backgrounds. Unplugged has been used around the world for over twenty years, in classrooms, science centers, homes, and even for holiday events in a park!

The material is available free of charge, and is shared under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA licence, which makes it easy to copy, adapt and share it.