Classroom Resource

Sorting Networks

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

2, 3, 4, 5

Overview

To make computers go faster, it can be a lot more effective to have several slower computers working on a problem than a single fast one. This raises questions about how much of the computation can be done at the same time.

Here we use a fun team activity to demonstrate an approach to parallel sorting. It can be done on paper, but we like to get students to do it on a large scale, running from node to node in the network.

Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 2

DLCS18.2.2

Create an algorithm for other learners to follow.

Unpacked Content

UP:DLCS18.2.2

Vocabulary

  • sequence

Knowledge

Students know:
  • the sequence of events for a tasks are important.
  • sequence of events may be read and interpreted by other people or machines.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • develop a sequence of events for a task that others can follow.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • a task can be broken down into a sequence of smaller events or steps.
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 3

DLCS18.3.5

Create an algorithm to solve a problem as a collaborative team.

Unpacked Content

UP:DLCS18.3.5

Vocabulary

  • algorithm
  • collaborative

Knowledge

Students know:
  • an algorithm can be used to solve a problem or complete a task.
  • the steps in creating an algortihm as a collaborative team.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • work as a collaborative team to create a problem-solving algorithm.
  • list steps in solving a problem.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • algorithms are used to solve problems or complete a task in a step-by-step process.
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 4

DLCS18.4.4

Detect and debug logical errors in various basic algorithms.

Unpacked Content

UP:DLCS18.4.4

Vocabulary

  • detect
  • debug
  • logical
  • errors
  • algorithms

Knowledge

Students know:
  • strategies to detect logical errors in various basic algorithms.
  • strategies to debug or repair logical errors in various basic algorithms.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • detect and debug logical errors in various basic algorithms.

Understanding

Students understand:
  • how to detect and debug logical errors in various basic algorithms.
  • strategies to detect and debug logical errors in various basic algorithms.
    •
    Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 4

    DLCS18.4.5

    Use flowcharts to create a plan or algorithm.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:DLCS18.4.5

    Vocabulary

    • flowchart
    • plan
    • algorithm

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • flowcharts are used in creating plan or algorithm.
    • strategies to use flowcharts to create a plan or algorithm.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • use flowcharts to create a plan or algorithm.
    • explain how flowcharts help in creating a plan or algorithm.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • flowcharts are used in creating plan or algorithm.
    • flowcharts help to visualize a plan or algorithm.
    Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 5

    DLCS18.5.2

    Create an algorithm to solve a problem while detecting and debugging logical errors within the algorithm.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:DLCS18.5.2

    Vocabulary

    • algorithm
    • debug
    • detect
    • logical errors

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • an algorithm is a logical set of steps to solve a problem.
    • detecting and debugging logical errors within an algorithm will ensure the algorithm serves to solve a problem successfully.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • create an algorithm to solve a problem while detecting and debugging logical errors within the algorithm.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • debugging an algorithm is searching for logical errors within the algorithm.
    • an algorithm is a set of steps to solve a problem.
    • how to create an algorithm to solve a problem while detecting and debugging logical errors within the algorithm.
    Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 5

    DLCS18.5.3

    Create an algorithm that is defined by simple pseudocode.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:DLCS18.5.3

    Vocabulary

    • algorithm
    • pseudocode

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • simple pseudocode resembles language used to communicate with computers.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • create an algorithm that is written in simple pseudocode.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • an algorithm that is written in simple pseudocode is similar to an algorithm written using a programming language.
    Link to Resource
    https://classic.csunplugged.org/sorting-networks/

    CR Resource Type

    Learning Activity

    Resource Provider

    CS Unplugged
    Accessibility
    License

    License Type

    Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike

    Comments or Notes

     

    In math teachers can use this activity to sort numbers, fractions, and multiplication problems along with the discussion of making sense of the problem and comparing strategies.  This activity can also be used with sequencing a story in reading.

    • This activity sheet may be used to facilitate strategies within your classroom.   
    • This slideshow provides additional examples to integrate this activity within core subject areas.  

     

    Approved Date

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