Activity

The Intelligent Piece of Paper

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

How smart is that piece of paper? The activity introduces the idea of computer programming as a list of instructions written by computer programmers. Two individuals play a game of Tic-Tac-Toe in which one follows the commands written on a piece of paper while the other player is free to choose any response. The paper will win or the game will be a draw every time. This is the final lesson in a three-part series on computer-human interactions.

34 Views 47 Downloads
Instructional Ideas
  • Have individuals explain their strategy for winning a game of Tic-Tac-Toe
  • Challenge the class to write a set of directions for other games that guarantee a win
Classroom Considerations
  • Requires either a flip chart or a whiteboard 
Pros
  • The set-up provides enough information to make the activity intriguing for the class
  • Provides variations and extensions to the original activity
Cons
  • Links to other activities contain three activities that do not exist