Day 1: Introduction to Computing Innovations

Learning Objectives

• IOC-1.A: Explain how computing innovations affect communication, interaction, and cognition.

Essential Questions

• What makes something a computing innovation?
• How have computing innovations evolved over time?
• How do computing innovations impact our daily lives?

Materials Needed

• Presentation slides on computing innovations
• Timeline creation materials (digital or physical)
• Computing innovation example cards
• Sticky notes for brainstorming
• Exit ticket templates

Vocabulary

• Computing innovation
• Artifact
• Algorithm
• Program
• Digital
• Analog
• Technological evolution
• Disruption
• Moore's Law

Procedure (50 minutes)

Opening (10 minutes)

1. Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)

   • Introduce the Impact of Computing Big Idea in AP CSP
   • Explain that this is the fifth and final big idea in the course
   • Share the learning objectives for the unit
   • Connect to previous units (Creative Development, Data, Algorithms and Programming, Computer Systems and Networks)

2. Activating Prior Knowledge (5 minutes)

   • Ask students: "What computing innovations do you use daily?"
   • Have students write responses on sticky notes
   • Create a class collection of innovations on the board
   • Briefly discuss the variety of responses

Main Activities (30 minutes)

3. Mini-Lecture: What Makes a Computing Innovation? (10 minutes)

   • Define computing innovation: an artifact or program that includes a computer or program code as an integral part
   • Explain key characteristics of computing innovations:
     • Solve problems or pursue interests through computing
     • Implement algorithms or programs as part of their function
     • Have an impact beyond the individual creator
   • Provide examples across different categories:
     • Physical computing innovations (smartphones, self-driving cars)
     • Non-physical computing innovations (apps, operating systems)
     • Computing concepts (e-commerce, social media)
   • Discuss how innovations build on previous technologies
   • Explain the accelerating pace of technological change

4. Exploration: Computing Innovations Through Time (10 minutes)

   • Divide class into small groups
   • Distribute computing innovation example cards showing innovations from different eras
   • Have groups organize innovations chronologically
   • Discuss patterns in how computing has evolved:
     • Increasing miniaturization
     • Growing processing power
     • Shift from specialized to general-purpose devices
     • Movement from institutional to personal computing
     • Integration of computing into everyday objects
   • Connect to Moore's Law and exponential technological growth

5. Activity: Computing Innovations in Daily Life (10 minutes)

   • Have students individually create a "day in the life" inventory:
     • List all computing innovations they interact with from morning to night
     • Identify which innovations they depend on most
     • Note which innovations are newest vs. which have been around longer
     • Consider which innovations they could live without and which feel essential
   • Share and discuss observations in small groups
   • Create a class compilation of most essential/impactful innovations

Closing (10 minutes)

6. Timeline Creation (7 minutes)

   • Begin creating a class timeline of significant computing innovations
   • Include major milestones like:
     • First computers
     • Personal computers
     • Internet
     • World Wide Web
     • Mobile computing
     • Social media
     • AI and machine learning
   • For each innovation, note its key impacts on society
   • Explain that this timeline will be displayed throughout the unit and added to

7. Exit Ticket and Preview (3 minutes)

   • Students complete an exit ticket: "Choose one computing innovation and briefly explain its significance in changing how people live or work."
   • Preview that next class will focus specifically on how computing has affected communication

Assessment

• Formative: Participation in innovation identification and discussion
• Exit Ticket: Quality of analysis of a computing innovation's significance

Differentiation

For Advanced Students

• Ask them to identify connections between different innovations
• Have them research lesser-known but significant computing innovations
• Challenge them to predict future innovations based on current trends

For Struggling Students

• Provide a structured template for analyzing computing innovations
• Focus on more familiar, everyday computing innovations
• Use more visual aids and concrete examples

Homework/Extension

• Research a computing innovation not discussed in class and prepare a brief summary of its development and impact
• Interview an older family member about how computing has changed during their lifetime
• Find a news article about an emerging computing innovation and analyze its potential impact

Teacher Notes

• Emphasize that computing innovations include both hardware and software
• Make connections to students' personal experiences with technology
• Be prepared to explain how some innovations that don't appear to be computing-related may still rely on computing
• Consider bringing in physical examples of computing innovations from different eras if available
• This lesson sets the foundation for the entire unit, so ensure students understand what constitutes a computing innovation