Computer Science Webquest: 8 Ways Computer Technology Solves Real Problems

From artificial intelligence to artificial limbs, computer science is changing lives, and the way we work and find solutions to problems. These 8 (actually 10 with an added nonprofit example!) scenarios present problems in life (such as car safety, and graffiti), ask students to think and reflect quietly about these problems cause damage and how computers might solve them, and then show cutting edge videos from the past 3 years that employ solutions using computers and automation. Updated for 2023!

This is a Great lesson plan, sub plan, or distance learning resource for students to complete anywhere. Doc file with Clickable links with space for responses, or have a print edition for writing and a digital edition up for clicking.

10 Activities total, which you could reduce based on your preference and intended level of depth and detail.

The videos range from 3 to 6 minutes each. 1 hour is enough to complete the activity, 45 minutes possibly. This is a great solo, or supplementary addition to your classroom and is wonderful in Jr. High or High School.

Makes a great partner activity as well for discussion, sharing, making claims, supporting with evidence, and then presenting to the class.

Half of proceeds from this video are donated to Charity: Water to help provide clean water to people around the world.

Extend the critical thinking with conversations to discuss perceptions, responses, and where these technologies may lead us in the future. This can be an entirely separate lesson. UPDATED in June 2023 with a new situation and an extension activity, webquest, and prompt for discussion or debate about social media as the 10th and final part of this short packet. Added an extra freebie at the end for classroom meditation!

These videos, questions, and tasks are mind blowing for middle school or upper-elementary students. They are really neat! This can be one or two lessons depending on the time you have in class. This could also be a Social Studies or Science lesson depending on how you set this up.

Also excellent for rainy days or as a distance learning activity.

For video and scenario there are a couple short questions to answer, reflect on, learn from, and inspire them to go out and find more solutions in the world using technology and pioneer the next great wave of solutions.

Subscribe to the Inspiring Teachers Podcast and Hauger History for more great ideas!

Try my TOP 6 Middle School History Resources in my HaugerHistory TPT Store!

6. Colonial Sales Booth Project Students Sign Up Settlers to the Colonies

5. Free: Geometry Walk: Take Math Outside

4. Sub-Saharan Africa Matching Vocabulary Terms and Extra Detail Test

3. 3 Months of Reflective Journal Writes from History December Winter Prompts

2. Create Your Own Feudal Empire Project Students Create A Middle Ages Country

1. 5 Keys to Winning Speech and Debate for Students by a Debate Champion

And whether you buy or not, enjoy a free acoustic song, free from me! "Laddering" Unplugged