Margaret Ireland Campus
Computer Science
History of Computers
WebQuest
Click on image above to continue
HISTORY OF COMPUTERS
WEBQUEST
Introduction
Task
Process
Evaluation
Resources
Conclusion
Introduction
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What was the most important computer invention in history?
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As a computer science student it is important to understand the history
of computers. You will be learning about the important, people, places and
inventions in computer history.
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This assignment is designed to get you to study the past to understand
the present and prepare for the future in computer technology. You will
also have opportunity to create a PowerPoint presentation. These
presentations will be shared with the class and the administration.
Lesson Plan
View detailed lesson plan by clicking on
lesson plan above
Technology Standards
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Technology Standards Addressed
Technology Standard 1: Use technology to create and publish documents
Benchmark: Import, export, and merge text and graphics, audio and video, to create
multimedia presentations
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The students will meet this standard with the Web Quest when they complete the
PowerPoint presentation that will go along with the Quest.
Technology Standard 2: Use technology to access information
Benchmark 1: Conduct research using electronic encyclopedias, almanacs, indexes,
and catalogs.
Benchmark 2: Create presentations using research from a variety of sources (e.g.,
CD-ROMs, the Internet, and electronic databases)
Mathematics Standards
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Number, Number Sense & Operations:
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Estimate, compute and solve problems involving
real numbers, including ratio, proportion and
percent, and explain solutions.
Mathematical Processes:
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Apply mathematical knowledge and skills routinely
in other content areas and practical situations.
English Language Arts Standards
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Reading Process:
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Writing Process:
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Write a persuasive piece that states a clear position, includes relevant
information and offers compelling evidence in the form of facts and details
Research
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Prepare writing for publication that is legible, follows an appropriate format and
uses conventions such as electronic resources and graphics
Writing Applications:
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Demonstrate comprehension of print and electronic text by responding to
questions (e.g., literal, inferential, evaluative, and synthesizing)
Evaluate the usefulness and credibility of a data and sources
Communicate findings, reporting on the substance and processes orally, visually
and in writing or through multimedia
Communication: Oral & Visual
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Give informational presentations that present ideas in a logical sequence,
include relevant facts and details from multiple sources and use a consistent
organizational structure.
Social Studies Standards:
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History:
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Explain the social, political and economic effects of
industrialization
Social Studies Skills & Methods
Evaluate the reliability and credibility of sources
 Use data and evidence to support or refute a
thesis.
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Task
ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
What was the most important computer invention in
history?
You will:
1. Use a virtual abacus
2. Create and utilize Napier’s Bones for calculations
3. Learn about the Binary System
4. Research the history of the computer on the internet
5. Create a PowerPoint presentation.
6. Answer the ESSENTIAL QUESTION by completing
one of the following:
Write a one page paper detailing your decision on what was the most
significant computer advancement in modern history.
Create a timeline highlighting your choice of the most important
significant computer advancement in modern history
Present your PowerPoint presentation or timeline to
the class.
Process #1: Abacus
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Link to and complete:
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History of Computer – Abacus worksheet
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Useful Links –
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A Brief History of the Abacus
A Brief Introduction to the Abacus
Click on the image of the Abacus to access the
virtual abacus 
Use the abacus to find the following:
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5,843
325
8,350
1,215 + 35= ____ 2,550 – 25 = ______
Useful Link for Calculations 
Abacus: The Art of Calculating with Beads
Process #2: Napier’s Bones
In 1617 an eccentric Scotsman named John
Napier invented logarithms, which are a
technology that allows multiplication to
be performed via addition.
You will make your own set of
Napier’s Bones.
Click on the Napier Bone image for
directions and templates for this
activity.
Process #3: The Binary System
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You will now investigate
how computers perform
calculations.
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Click on the binary image
for directions and
worksheets to be completed
for this activity.
Process #4: Computer History
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Using the internet and
websites available in the
resource section,
complete the Computer
History Research Sheet.
Process #5 PowerPoint Presentation
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Create a PowerPoint Presentation. Your presentation must
include the following:
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SLIDE ONE: A title slide
SLIDE TWO: Your definition of a computer
SLIDE THREE TO SEVEN – 5 important people or events/inventions in
the development of the modern computer
SLIDE EIGHT – Identify what you think is the most important
computer invention in history.
SLIDE NINE – Conclusion – Answer the following question:
Why do you think computers are necessary or not?
SLIDE TEN – Bibliography – Identify your sources of information and
any images
Process #6 Essential Question
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Answer the ESSENTIAL QUESTION by
completing one of the following:
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Write a one page paper double spaced paper
detailing your decision on what was the most
important computer invention in history.
Create a timeline highlighting your choice of the
most important computer invention in history.
Remember spelling and grammar will be counted
toward your grade. Be sure to use the spell
checker.
Process #7 PowerPoint Presentation
You will present your PowerPoint
presentation or timeline to the class and the
administration.
 Be sure to practice what you will say ahead of
time with your classmates.
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Evaluation
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Online Research Rubric
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PowerPoint Presentation Rubric
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CMSD Rubric
Resources #1:
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http://www.computerhope.com/history/
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http://www.islandnet.com/~kpolsson/comphist/
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http://inventors.about.com/library/blcoindex.htm
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http://www.velocityguide.com/computer-history/
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http://www.computerhistory.org/timeline/
Resources #2
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http://www.computersciencelab.com/ComputerHistory/Histo
ry.htm
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http://www.hitmill.com/computers/computerhx1.html
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_computing_hardware
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer
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http://www.merchantos.com/articles/informational/thehistory-of-the-computer/
Creating Presentations
PowerPoint Video Tutorial
PowerPoint in the
Classroom
Electric Teacher
PowerPoint Tutorial
Searching the Internet
Internet Public
Library
Berkley Finding
Information on
the Internet
Tutorial
Internet Tutorials
Conclusion
In this webquest you discovered a great deal about the
history of computers, a new method for multiplying,
and another number system.You also developed
research skills by using the Internet and constructed
several products including a PowerPoint presentation,
timelines and typed documents.
Now think about how useful computers are to you not
only in completing this project, but throughout your
life.
History of Computers
This may be the end of this
WebQuest…but Computers live on…