Grade 6 Computer Class Ice Breaker
Activity
Duration: 80 minutes
Subject: Computer Science/Digital Literacy
Grade Level: 6
Topic: "Digital Detective" - Getting to Know Each Other Through Technology
Learning Objectives
By the end of this activity, students will be able to:
•
Navigate basic computer applications and internet safely
•
Create digital presentations using presentation software
•
Practice digital citizenship and online safety
•
Develop collaboration and communication skills
•
Demonstrate basic typing and formatting skills
•
Share personal interests through digital media
Materials Needed
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Computers with internet access
•
Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Canva)
•
Projector/interactive whiteboard
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Digital camera or phone (optional)
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Printed "Digital Detective" worksheets
•
Timer or stopwatch
Activity Structure
Welcome & Digital Citizenship Reminder (10 minutes)
Activity: "Tech Rules Refresher"
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Minutes 1-5: Welcome and introduction to computer lab expectations
•
Minutes 6-10: Quick review of digital citizenship rules and internet safety
Establish a positive, safe learning environment for digital exploration
Ice Breaker Game: "Digital Scavenger Hunt" (20 minutes)
Activity: "Find Someone Who..."
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Minutes 11-25: Students use computers to research and find classmates who
match criteria
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Minutes 26-30: Share discoveries with the class
Digital Scavenger Hunt Items:
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Find someone who has the same favorite website as you
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Find someone who knows a programming language
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Find someone who has created a video or animation
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Find someone who plays the same online game (educational)
•
Find someone who has the same favorite YouTube channel (appropriate)
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Find someone who uses the same social media platform (with parent permission)
Main Project: "My Digital Identity Presentation" (35 minutes)
Activity: "Create Your Digital Profile"
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Minutes 31-50: Students create a 3-slide presentation about themselves
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Minutes 51-65: Add multimedia elements and formatting
Slide Requirements:
Slide
Content
Technical Skills
Slide 1: "Hello
World!"
Name, grade, fun fact about
themselves
Title formatting, font
changes, background color
Slide 2: "My
Digital Life"
Favorite apps, games, or
websites (school-appropriate)
Insert images, bullet points,
text alignment
Slide 3: "Future
Tech Goals"
What they want to learn in
computer class this year
Animations, transitions, or
shapes
Presentation Showcase (12 minutes)
Activity: "Digital Show and Tell"
•
Minutes 66-75: Students present their slides (1-2 minutes each)
•
Minutes 76-78: Audience gives positive feedback using "digital thumbs up"
Encourage supportive peer feedback and celebrate creativity
Reflection & Tech Tips Exchange (3 minutes)
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Minutes 78-80: Quick sharing of favorite tech tips or shortcuts discovered
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Preview of upcoming computer class projects
Differentiation Strategies
For Advanced Students:
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Add hyperlinks between slides
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Include audio recordings or video clips
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Create custom animations or slide transitions
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Help peers with technical challenges
For Struggling Students:
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Provide templates with pre-formatted slides
•
Pair with a tech-savvy buddy
•
Focus on content over complex formatting
•
Offer step-by-step visual guides
For Students Without Home Technology Access:
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Focus on school technology experiences
•
Discuss technology goals and interests
•
Provide extra support with basic computer skills
Assessment Criteria
Participation Rubric:
Skill
Excellent (4)
Good (3)
Developing (2)
Digital
Citizenship
Always follows
safety rules
Usually follows
safety rules
Sometimes needs
reminders
Technical
Skills
Uses multiple
formatting
features
Uses basic
formatting
Completes slides
with help
Creativity
Highly creative
and original
Shows some
creativity
Follows basic
requirements
Presentation
Clear, confident
delivery
Good
communication
Shares with
encouragement
Technology Skills Practiced
•
Basic Computer Navigation: File management, opening applications
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Presentation Software: Creating slides, formatting text, inserting images
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Internet Research: Safe searching, evaluating sources
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Digital Communication: Appropriate online interaction
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Multimedia Integration: Adding images, basic animations
•
File Management: Saving, organizing, and sharing digital files
Extension Activities
For Early Finishers:
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Create a "Class Directory" slide with everyone's favorite tech tools
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Design a digital poster about computer lab rules
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Explore advanced presentation features
Homework Connection:
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Interview a family member about their favorite technology
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Find one new educational website to share next class
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Practice typing skills with online typing games
Digital Citizenship Integration
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Privacy Awareness: Discuss what personal information is appropriate to share
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Respectful Communication: Practice giving constructive feedback
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Copyright Basics: Using images and content appropriately
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Screen Time Balance: Discuss healthy technology habits
Troubleshooting Tips
Common Technical Issues:
•
Slow internet: Have offline backup activities ready
•
Software problems: Teach basic restart and refresh techniques
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File saving issues: Demonstrate multiple save methods
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Presentation nerves: Create supportive, low-pressure environment
Teacher Preparation Checklist
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Test all computers and software before class
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Prepare digital citizenship reminder slides
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Create example presentation to show students
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Set up shared folder for saving student work
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Prepare backup activities for technical difficulties
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Have printed worksheets ready as alternatives
Learning Outcomes
This ice breaker activity serves multiple purposes:
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Social Connection: Students learn about each other's interests and tech
experiences
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Skill Assessment: Teachers can gauge students' current technology skill levels
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Confidence Building: Low-stakes environment for trying new tech skills
•
Classroom Community: Establishes positive, collaborative atmosphere for the
year
This activity balances social interaction with practical technology skill development,
setting a strong foundation for the computer class year ahead.