Learning Computer Science basics by 1st grade Pupils Using the Unplugged Technique

Abstract

Computer Science Unplugged is a set of activities used to show the children the kind of thinking that is expected by computer scientists in a funny and engaging way to help introduce computer science basics as early as possible. The counting in binary numbers and the picture representation activities were introduced to two elementary school 1st grade pupils in Khartoum North Locality (Boys only /Girls only).The assessment results showed that 99% passed the counting in binary assessment and 97% passed the picture representation assessment which were promising and showed that the 1st grade pupils easily understood the computer science concepts those were transferred through the activities. It was observed that the children found the activities funny specially the binary numbers. A teaching tool was developed to reduce time while introducing the picture Representation activity. It is strongly recommend considering including these activities as part of 1st grade computer science curriculum in Sudan when one is prepared.