Computer Quest Teacher Guide
Computer Quest Teacher Guide
Grades 2-3
Exploring the evolution of computing and imagining the technology of 2050.
Objective
Recognize computers come in many forms and imagine future technological uses.
Duration
35 Minutes
Materials
Slide Deck, Future Foundry Worksheet, Art Supplies.
Lesson Procedure
5
Warm-up: The Tech Time Machine
Display Slide 2 (ENIAC vs. Smartwatch). Facilitate a discussion on physical changes.
- Ask: "Which one of these do you think is a computer?" (Reveal: Both!)
- Ask: "Why did the early computer need to be so big? Why is the new one so small?"
5
Video Viewing: Real-World Power
Watch the end of the video (3:25 to 4:19). Focus on engineering and space.
Key Quote:
"Computers even help to launch astronauts into space and help us land robots to explore the surface of Mars."
Discussion: Besides games, what are some really important jobs computers help humans do?
20
Main Activity: Future Foundry
Hand out the Future Foundry Worksheet. Students invent a computer for the year 2050.
- Prompts: Mars rovers? Skyscrapers? Holograms? No screens?
- Goal: Focus on the "job" it performs. It shouldn't just be for games.
5
Reflection: Job Descriptions
Students complete the bottom of their worksheet, writing two sentences about their invention's specific purpose.
Discussion Anchors
The Definition
"A computer is a machine that follows instructions."
Ask: Why is 'following instructions' a better definition than 'something with a screen'?
The "Brain"
"The CPU is kind of like the brain of the computer."
Ask: What does your brain do that a computer can't? (Emotions, creativity, original thoughts).
Tech Time Machine Slides
Tech Time Machine
From Room-Sized to Pocket-Sized
Can You Spot the Computer?
🏢
1940s: ENIAC
Filled a whole room!
⌚
2020s: Smartwatch
Fits on your wrist!
Discussion: Why did computers change so much?
What IS a computer?
"A computer is a machine that can follow instructions."
Desktop/Laptop
Smart TV
Game Console
Real World Power
Embedded media
Watch for:
Skyscrapers Bridges Mars Rovers
Mission 2050
The world needs your help!
Your Task
Design a computer that doesn't exist yet. It could be built into a wall, floating in the air, or worn as a ring!
The Job
Give it an important job. Does it clean the ocean? Does it build space houses? Does it talk to dolphins?
Use your Future Foundry Worksheet to start drawing!
Future Foundry Worksheet
Future Foundry
Project: Mission 2050
Name:
Date:
Technical Drawing: Computer Design
Design Your 2050 Computer Here
Hardware Features
Hologram
Robot Arms
Solar Panels
Brain Link
Jet Engines
Miniaturized
Invention Name
Example: The Mars-O-Matic 5000
Reflection: The "Job"
Describe what your computer does for the world in 2 sentences. Is it helping people study? Designing a skyscraper? Exploring space?