computertheoryforkids.tex

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\title{Introducing Computer Theory to Fourth Graders}
\author{Jesse Hamner}
\date{2017--2024}

\maketitle

\begin{abstract}
Kids are using technology that is intuitive to control, but entirely opaque to the children's understanding. Why do computers work? How do computers count and add numbers? What makes transistors so important? How can we put transistors together to make a computer? 

This workshop aims to produce a short course of study for third to sixth graders, that takes about three afternoons to complete. Children are introduced to math concepts fundamental to the study of computing such as binary counting, exponentiation, basic electronics theory, and computing logic. Several hands-on projects are included in the text and can enhance the students' learning while breaking up the ``lecture'' format of the workshop.

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\noindent\textbf{Keywords:} STEM; education; computing theory; logic; electronics theory; elementary education; logic gates; science experiments.

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\noindent All source code for this document are available at {\color{webblue}\href{https://github.com/jessehamner/TechMillForKids}{the project's GitHub page}}.

\end{abstract}

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This work is licensed under a {\color{webblue}\href{https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/}{Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.}}

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% Table of Contents:
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% Introduction:
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\newpage
\input{./chapters/introduction.tex}
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% Bases, exponents, decimal and binary math
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\newpage
\input{./chapters/math.tex}
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% Bitwise addition
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\newpage
\input{./chapters/computermath.tex}
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% Basic intro to electricity, charge, voltage, and current
% including Ohm's law (which is a stretch for elementary school kids,
% but if they can grasp the proportional relationships, that's enough)
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\input{./chapters/electricity.tex}
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% Basic intro to electronic components like R, C, D, L, and Q
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\input{./chapters/basicelectronics.tex}
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% Intro to logic gates and truth tables
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\newpage
\input{./chapters/logic_gates.tex}
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% Optional exercise: solder up some gates!
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\input{./chapters/soldergates.tex}
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% How do computers add?
% How do they store results?
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\newpage
\input{./chapters/logic_circuits.tex}
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% Finally -- Let's make a simple calculator!
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\input{./chapters/calculator.tex}
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% Appendices for extra useful, but non-critical, information
% Also, grist for future chapters or activities.
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\appendix
\input{./chapters/appendices.tex}
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