Unit 5 - Data and Society ('21-'22)
Unit 5 is about the importance of data in solving problems and highlights how computers can help in this process. The first chapter explores different systems used to represent information in a computer and the challenges and tradeoffs posed by using them. In the second chapter you’ll learn how collections of data are used to solve problems, and how computers help to automate the steps of this process. The chapter concludes by considering how the data problem solving process can be applied to an area of your choosing.
Description
This chapter focuses on data representation and its role in solving information problems. Students learn what a representation system needs to be useful, and how computers are able to represent different types of information using binary systems. For the chapter project, students represent their perfect day in a binary punch card and trade with classmates to decipher.
Big questions
- Why is representation important in problem solving?
- What features does a representation system need to be useful?
- What is necessary to create usable binary representation systems?
- How can we combine systems together to get more complex information?
Description
Students explore how data can be used to answer interesting questions and solve problems. Using a modified version of the general Problem Solving Process, students look at how computers and humans use data differently and the pros and cons of automating problem solving. After learning ways that computers use data in the real world, students choose their own problem and use data to address it.
Big questions
- How does data help us to solve problems?
- How do computers and humans use data differently?
- What parts of the data problem solving process can be automated?
- What kinds of problems do computers use data to solve in the real world?
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