History of Computers WebQuest

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What was the most important computer invention in history? 

As a computer science student it is important to understand the history of computers.  You will be learning about the important, people, places and inventions in computer history. 

This assignment is designed to get you to study the past to understand the present and prepare for the future in computer technology. You will also have opportunity to create a PowerPoint presentation. These presentations will be shared with the class and the administration.

View detailed lesson plan by clicking on lesson plan above

Technology Standards Addressed Technology Standard 1: Use technology to create and publish

documents Benchmark: Import, export, and merge text and graphics, audio

and video, to create multimedia presentations

The students will meet this standard with the Web Quest when they complete the PowerPoint presentation that will go along with the Quest.

Technology Standard 2: Use technology to access information Benchmark 1: Conduct research using electronic encyclopedias,

almanacs, indexes, and catalogs. Benchmark 2: Create presentations using research from a variety

of sources (e.g., CD-ROMs, the Internet, and electronic databases)

Number, Number Sense & Operations: Estimate, compute and solve problems

involving real numbers, including ratio, proportion and percent, and explain solutions.

Mathematical Processes: Apply mathematical knowledge and skills

routinely in other content areas and practical situations.

Reading Process: Demonstrate comprehension of print and electronic text by responding

to questions (e.g., literal, inferential, evaluative, and synthesizing) Writing Process:

Prepare writing for publication that is legible, follows an appropriate format and uses conventions such as electronic resources and graphics

Writing Applications: Write a persuasive piece that states a clear position, includes relevant

information and offers compelling evidence in the form of facts and details

Research Evaluate the usefulness and credibility of a data and sources Communicate findings, reporting on the substance and processes

orally, visually and in writing or through multimedia Communication: Oral & Visual

Give informational presentations that present ideas in a logical sequence, include relevant facts and details from multiple sources and use a consistent organizational structure.

History: Explain the social, political and

economic effects of industrialization Social Studies Skills & Methods

Evaluate the reliability and credibility of sources

Use data and evidence to support or refute a thesis.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION: What was the most important computer invention in history?You will:

1. Use a virtual abacus2. Create and utilize Napier’s Bones for calculations3. Learn about the Binary System4. Research the history of the computer on the internet5. Create a PowerPoint presentation.6. Answer the ESSENTIAL QUESTION by completing

one of the following:Write a one page paper detailing your decision on what was the most significant computer advancement in modern history.Create a timeline highlighting your choice of the most important significant computer advancement in modern history

Present your PowerPoint presentation or timeline to the class.

Link to and complete: History of Computer – Abacus worksheet

Useful Links – A Brief History of the Abacus A Brief Introduction to the Abacus

Click on the image of the Abacus to access the virtual abacus - Use the abacus to find the following:

5,843 325 8,350 1,215 + 35= ____ 2,550 – 25 = ______ Useful Link for Calculations -

Abacus: The Art of Calculating with Beads

In 1617 an eccentric Scotsman named John Napier invented logarithms, which are a technology that allows multiplication to be performed via addition.

You will make your own set of Napier’s Bones.

Click on the Napier Bone image for directions and templates for this activity.

You will now investigate how computers perform calculations. Click on the binary

image for directions and worksheets to be completed for this activity.

Using the internet and websites available in the resource section, complete the Computer History Research Sheet.

Create a PowerPoint Presentation. Your presentation must include the following:

SLIDE ONE: A title slide SLIDE TWO: Your definition of a computer SLIDE THREE TO SEVEN – 5 important people or

events/inventions in the development of the modern computer

SLIDE EIGHT – Identify what you think is the most important computer invention in history.

SLIDE NINE – Conclusion – Answer the following question:Why do you think computers are necessary or not?

SLIDE TEN – Bibliography – Identify your sources of information and any images

Answer the ESSENTIAL QUESTION by completing one of the following: Write a one page paper double spaced paper

detailing your decision on what was the most important computer invention in history.

Create a timeline highlighting your choice of the most important computer invention in history.

Remember spelling and grammar will be counted toward your grade. Be sure to use the spell checker.

You will present your PowerPoint presentation or timeline to the class and the administration.

Be sure to practice what you will say ahead of time with your classmates.

Online Research Rubric

PowerPoint Presentation Rubric

CMSD Rubric

http://www.computerhope.com/history/

http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/comphist/   http://inventors.about.com/library/blcoindex.htm  http://www.velocityguide.com/computer-history/   http://www.computerhistory.org/timeline/

http://www.computersciencelab.com/ComputerHistory/History.htm

  http://www.hitmill.com/computers/computerhx1.h

tml  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_computing

_hardware   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer  http://www.merchantos.com/articles/informational

/the-history-of-the-computer/

PowerPoint Video Tutorial

PowerPoint in the Classroom

Electric Teacher PowerPoint Tutorial

Internet Public Library

Berkley Finding Information on the Internet Tutorial

Internet Tutorials

In this webquest you discovered a great deal about the history of computers, a new method for multiplying, and another number system. You also developed research skills by using the Internet and constructed several products including a PowerPoint presentation, timelines and typed documents.

Now think about how useful computers are to you not only in completing this project, but throughout your life.

This may be the end of this WebQuest…but Computers live

on…