Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

The Central Processing Unit (CPU): Crash Course Computer Science #7

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

Today, we’re going to build the ticking heart of every computer - the Central Processing Unit or CPU. The CPU’s job is to execute the programs we know and love - you know, like GTA V, Slack... and PowerPoint. To make our CPU, we’ll bring in our ALU and RAM we made in the previous two episodes, and then, with the help of Carrie Anne’s wonderful dictation, (slowly) step through some clock cycles.

    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.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:DLCS18.HS.3

    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.
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Audio/Video

    Resource Provider

    PBS
    Accessibility

    Accessibility

    Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
    License

    License Type

    CUSTOM
    ALSDE LOGO