Classroom Resource

Searching Algorithms

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

5, 6, 7

Overview

Searching for a keyword or value is the basis of many computing applications, whether on an internet search engine or looking up a bank account balance.

This activity explores the main algorithms that are used as the basis for searching on computers, using different variations on the game of battleships.

Computers are often required to find information in large collections of data. They need to develop quick and efficient ways of doing this. This activity demonstrates three different search methods: linear searching, binary searching, and hashing.
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 5

DLCS18.5.19

Conduct advanced keyword searches to produce valid, appropriate results and evaluate results for accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness.

Unpacked Content

UP:DLCS18.5.19

Vocabulary

  • keyword
  • search
  • valid
  • true
  • accuracy/accurate
  • relevance/relevant
  • site/domain
  • file type

Knowledge

Students know:
  • how to conduct advanced keyword searches.
  • how to evaluate the accuracy of information.
  • that not all information online is valid or true.
  • different sites or domains publish for different audiences.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • conduct advanced keyword searches using domain type such as '.edu', '.com', '.org', '.gov', file types, usage rights.
  • explain how they know information located online is valid or true.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • using advanced keywords while searching will deliver better results.
  • not all information online is valid or true.
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 6

DLCS18.6.5

Identify algorithms that make use of sequencing, selection or iteration.

Unpacked Content

UP:DLCS18.6.5

Vocabulary

algorithm sequence selection iteration

Knowledge

Students know:
  • differences between the three basic programming structures.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • explain the differences in sequencing, selection, and iteration.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • differences exist in sequencing, selection, and iteration.
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 7

DLCS18.7.3

Create algorithms that demonstrate sequencing, selection or iteration.

Unpacked Content

UP:DLCS18.7.3

Vocabulary

  • algorithm
  • sequence
  • selection
  • iteration

Knowledge

Students know:
  • how to use the programming structures to create algorithms and how many algorithms make use of all three programming structures.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • create and recognize various programming structures found in algorithms.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • each structure sequencing, selections, and iterations have a purpose.
Link to Resource
https://classic.csunplugged.org/searching-algorithms/

CR Resource Type

Learning Activity

Resource Provider

Other

Resource Provider other

CS Unplugged
Accessibility
License

License Type

BY-NC-SA

Approved Date

ALSDE LOGO

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