Computer Science
Grade 1
20 min
The Microwave: Heating Up Food Quickly
Learn about the technology that heats food quickly in a microwave.
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the microwave as a type of simple computer.
Name the input (time) and output (hot food) of a microwave.
Describe the steps to use a microwave in the correct order (sequence).
Explain that a microwave follows a set of instructions (an algorithm).
List two safety rules for using a microwave.
Point to the 'start' and 'stop' buttons on a microwave.
Have you ever wanted a warm snack super fast? 🍕 How does a magic box do it?
We will learn about the microwave! It is a helpful computer in our kitchen. We will see how it follows our instructions to make food yummy and warm.
Real-World Applications
Making popcorn for a movie night 🍿
Warming up soup on a cold day 🥣
Heating up leftovers for a quick lunch 🍝
Melting butter fo...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
DeviceA device is a tool that helps us do a job. 💻Your tablet is a device. A microwave is a device too!
InputInput is the information you give to a device. 👉Telling the microwave '1 minute' is an input.
OutputOutput is the result the device gives you back. 👈Warm, yummy popcorn is the output!
AlgorithmAn algorithm is a list of steps to finish a task. 📝The steps to make hot chocolate is an algorithm.
SequenceSequence is the order the steps happen in. 1️⃣ 2️⃣ 3️⃣You put on socks *before* you put on your shoes.
Start/StopThese buttons tell the device when to begin and end. ▶️⏹️You press 'Start' to make the microwave go.
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Core Syntax & Patterns
The 'Heat It Up' Algorithm
1. Open Door. 2. Put Food In. 3. Close Door. 4. Set Time. 5. Press Start.
Use this sequence of steps every time you warm up food.
The 'Safety First' Rule
Ask a grown-up for help. Never put metal inside. 🍴❌
This is the most important rule to keep you safe.
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
You heated your soup for 1 minute, but it's still a little cold. What is the BEST algorithm (set of steps) to fix this?
A.Put it in the freezer
B.Heat it for 5 more minutes
C.Heat it for a little more time, like 30 seconds, and check again
D.Throw the soup away
Challenging
Your friend wants to see what happens if they put a plastic toy car 🚗 in the microwave. Why is this a dangerous experiment?
A.The car will drive around inside
B.The car is not food and could melt, make bad smells, or break the microwave
C.The car will get clean
D.The car will get bigger
Challenging
An oven takes a long time to heat food, but a microwave does it very quickly. This speed is the microwave's main...
A.Advantage (what makes it special and useful)
B.Problem
C.Color
D.Sound
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