Session 1 (1.5 Hours)
Introduce self, describing credentials, make sure everyone is in the right class. Introduce assistant instructors, if any.
Fill out rest of information on blue cards (requirement numbers, etc.), collect them while calling out the roll.
Hand out the Requirements sheet, the proof of completion sheet, and the "take-home" assignment.
Find out who in the class has access to a computer (home, school, library, friend, etc.).
Find out general level of computer knowledge in the class (attended programming classes, etc.).
Note:
The following lecture format was used with some success in the 1995 and 1996 Merit Badge Colleges. It required the entire first session to complete. A much abbreviated form was successfuly used at the 1997 and 1998 colleges with the emphasis moved to the take-home worksheets to cover this material. This will allow more lab time.
Follow contents of the Merit Badge Book:
History of Computers
Early computing devices: abacus, Napier’s bones, Babbage difference engine
Early computers: Census hollerith cards, punch card systems, ENIAC, UNIVAC
Early computing elements: Vacuum tubes, relays
Semiconductor computers: Transistors, integrated circuits
Types of Computers:
Special Purpose: For a specific task; digital watch, microwave controller, automobile controller
General purpose: Used for most every other task
Different sizes: microcomputer, minicomputer, mainframes, supercomputers
Parts of a Computer
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Co-Processor
Main Circuit board (Motherboard)
Memory: ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory)
Graphics Controller
Disk Controller
Communications Ports
Network Controller
Input Devices: keyboard, mouse, trackball, joystick, digitizers, scanners, sensors
Storage Units: tapes, diskettes, hard disk, CD-ROM, WORM, DVD
Output Devices: monitor, terminals, sound card, printers (impact, laser, inkjet), modem
Understanding Data
Representations of data: Numbers, characters, pictures, sound
Computer Software
Operating Systems
Applications: Database managers, spreadsheets, word processors, desktop publishing, graphics and design programs, computer aided design, animation programs, sound programs (MIDI), communications programs
Programming Languages: source language, object code, machine code
Compilers, interpreters/translators
COBOL, FORTRAN, BASIC, Pascal, C (and many more)
Object oriented languages: C++, etc.
Communications
Protocols
Local Area Networks
Wide Area Networks
Modems
Transmission rates: baud
Electronic Mail
Uploading
Downloading
Network Topology: Star, bus, token-ring
Bulletin Board Service: Private or commercial
Computers at Work
Copyrights and Software Piracy
Session 2 (In lab, 1.5 hours)
Take Attendance
Collect and review materials produced during “between weeks”.
Cover lecture materials not completed previous week if needed.
Work with those who were not able to complete the assignments (Requirements 4) between the sessions. Have those Scouts who were able to complete the assignments assist those who did not. It works well to have one lab set up for the "Mail Merge" requirement, and the other for the camp layout drawing and spreadsheet work. This allows the instructor to direct more specific attention to those who need it.
If possible, have a PC set up to send E-mail messages.
Quiz participants about materials covered in the classes.
If available, have examples of various components of computers for the Scouts to view and discuss once they have completed the assignments. This can be keyed to the worksheets with labels, if desired.
After Session 2
Grade the workbooks turned in during the second session.
Complete Blue Cards and turn them in to the course director. For those who did not complete, offer to work with them afterwards if they do not have access to another Computer Merit Badge counselor, providing them with a telephone number on the blue cards.
Review materials used in the class and critique the results. Update the materials as required.