How Computers Calculate - the ALU: Crash Course Computer Science #5

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

This video will talk about a fundamental part of all modern computers. The thing that basically everything else uses - the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (or the ALU). The ALU may not have to most exciting name, but it is the mathematical brain of a computer and is responsible for all the calculations your computer does! And it's actually not that complicated.

Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 8

DLCS18.8.6
Describe how algorithmic processes and automation increase efficiency.

Vocabulary

algorithmic process
automation

Knowledge

Students know:

how algorithmic processes and automation have increased efficiency.

Skills

Students are able to:

explain how algorithmic processes and automation increase efficiency.

Understanding

Students understand that:

automation is a useful tool for increasing efficiency.
while many things can and have been automated, not everything can be automated using algorithmic processes.

Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 09-12

DLCS18.HS.3
Differentiate between a generalized expression of an algorithm in pseudocode and its concrete implementation in a programming language.

Vocabulary

pseudocode
programming language

a.

approximated

b.

iteration
conditional statements
control structures

c.

iterative loop
selection constructs
recursion

Knowledge

Students know:

that differences exist in pseudocode and a programming language.
that programming languages have certain requirements for language and syntax.

a.

that some programs cannot return a result in a reasonable time frame, therefore approximations must be allowed in those cases.

b.

how to identify sequential statements, conditional statements, and/or iterations in code.
the differences between sequential statements, conditional statements, and/or iterations.
trade-offs exist with using one control structure over another.

c.

some decisions in a program will require the use of iterative loops, selection constructs, or recursion.

d.

programs can be written to satisfy a number of needs such as performance, reusability, and ease of implementation.
that most times, algorithms will differ based on the need of the program; performance, reusability, or ease of implementation.

e.

that programs can be written with specific priorities in mind.
that there are multiple correct ways to write a program.
that solutions are often chosen to meet the priority need of the program.

Skills

Students are able to:

distinguish between a generalized expression of an algorithm in pseudocode and its concrete implementation in a programming language.
point out similarities in vocabulary and syntax between pseudocode and an algorithm.
point out differences in vocabulary and syntax between pseudocode and an algorithm.

a.

explain that some algorithms do not lead to exact solutions in a reasonable amount of time and thus approximations are acceptable.

b.

identify sequential statements, conditional statements, and/or iterations in code.
identify tradeoffs associated with using one control structure over another.

c.

distinguish when a problem solution requires decisions to be made among alternatives or when a solution needs to be iteratively processed to arrive at a result.

d.

evaluate and select algorithms based on performance, reusability, and ease of implementation.

e.

explain how more than one algorithm may solve the same problem and yet be characterized with different priorities.

Understanding

Students understand that:

similarities and differences exist in pseudocode and programming code.
some programming languages more closely resemble pseudocode than do other programming languages.

a.

due to time or financial constraints, some programs may return an approximation of a solution.

b.

both benefits and drawbacks exist when selecting one control structure over another in a code.

c.

programs can use multiple methods to arrive at a solution.

d.

there are times when a program needs to be selected for a specific purpose, such as performance, reusability, and/or ease of implementation.

e.

multiple algorithms can solve the same problem.
algorithms can operate with a specific priority in mind, such as speed, simplicity, and/or safety.

Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 09-12

DLCS18.HS.4
Use and adapt classic algorithms to solve computational problems.

Knowledge

Students know:

classic algorithms exist that can be used and adapted to meet one's needs.
that it can be easier to alter code than to create it from scratch.

Skills

Students are able to:

use and adapt classic algorithms to solve computational problems.

Understanding

Students understand that:

algorithms can be altered to fit another use than originally designed for.

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

Custom

https://aptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/computers-calculate-crash-course-cs/…

Custom License Type (URL)

https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/help/terms-of-use/

Accessibility

Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles

Approved Date

2020-03-18

Design by Adaptive Theme