About this resource
This lesson shines a spotlight on Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer, and her imaginative innovative process. Lovelace wrote a complex algorithm for inventor Charles Babbage's early computer prototype. Various computer programming books and pictures of computers will be on student tables when they enter the library. On the overhead screen when students walk in: "How does our imagination help with innovation?" Students will journal a response to the question on the overhead screen. Students will study and discuss Lovelace's historical example of innovation and invention. After the librarian reads Ada Lovelace, Poet of science: The First Computer Programmer (Stanley, 2016) and Ada's Ideas: The Story of Ada Lovelace, the World's First Computer Programmer (Robinson, 2016), students will discuss the essential question (using their journal response as a guide). Students will examine an essential theme from both books: a strong imagination is just as important as mathematical skills. After the discussion, students will watch the YouTube demo of Makey Makey. Makey Makey instruction sheets can be found here: http://makeymakey.com/how-to/classic/
Students will be grouped in table teams with laptops or move to computer tables with Makey Makey kits and bananas. Students will be encouraged to engage in trial and error; no formal teaching of Makey Makey will occur. Much like innovators, they will continue to try the Makey Makey kits until they figure out how to make it work.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Technology
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
Kansas College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Literacy Learning Standard 1: Engage in literacy learning through a collaborative and community effort and in an integrated fashion, rather than as discreet skills in isolation.
What students will do
Assesses personal beliefs about imagination and innovation and shares in discussion format with table teams.
Engages in the inquiry and discovery process while learning Makey Makey functions.
Synthesizes prior knowledge about programming and new knowledge from Makey Makey instruction sheets and videos to complete Makey Makey exercises.
Resources Needed
Picture books: Ada Lovelace, Poet of science: The First Computer Programmer (Stanley, 2016) and Ada's Ideas: The Story of Ada Lovelace, the World's First Computer Programmer (Robinson, 2016), computer with internet access and projection screen for student viewing, laptops and/or computer stations, one Makey Makey kit and at least one banana per table group, journaling cards/notebooks and pencils/pens
Makey Makey instructions for each table team (website has lessons and additional ideas):
http://makeymakey.com/how-to/classic/
YouTube videos of Makey Makey: