Computer Science
Grade 1
20 min
The Refrigerator: Keeping Food Cold
Learn about the technology that keeps food cold in a refrigerator.
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1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the refrigerator as a piece of technology.
Describe the refrigerator's main job.
Sequence the simple steps a refrigerator follows.
Explain that the refrigerator follows a rule.
Identify a simple 'input' (it gets warm).
Identify a simple 'output' (it makes cold air).
Where do we keep our milk and juice so they don't get yucky? 🥛🍓
We will learn about the refrigerator! It's a smart machine. It follows secret computer steps to keep our food fresh.
Real-World Applications
Keeps your yogurt cold and yummy.
Stops your cheese from getting melty.
Makes sure your water is cool on a hot day.
Helps your fruit stay fresh for longer.
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Technology 🤖Technology is any tool that people make to help with a job.A refrigerator is technology that helps us keep food cold.
Algorithm 📝An algorithm is a list of steps to finish a job.The steps to get ready for school is an algorithm.
Sensor 👇A sensor is a part that can feel things, like heat or light.The refrigerator has a sensor that feels if it gets too warm inside.
Input ➡️Input is the information a computer gets to start its job.Input: The sensor feels warm air. This tells the fridge to start.
Output ⬅️Output is the action or job that the computer does.Output: The refrigerator makes cold air. This is its action.
Sequence 🔢A sequence is the order that steps happen, one after another.First you open the door, then you get the milk, then you close the door....
3
Core Syntax & Patterns
The IF-THEN Rule
IF it gets warm inside, THEN turn on the cold air.
The refrigerator uses this rule to know when to start its job.
The Stop Rule
IF it is cold enough, THEN stop making cold air.
The refrigerator uses this rule to know when its job is done.
The Loop 🔁
Check the temperature again and again, all day and night.
The refrigerator repeats its job over and over to keep food safe.
4 more steps in this tutorial
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Challenging
A refrigerator's thermostat follows an 'IF-THEN' rule. A computer program is made of 'IF-THEN' rules. Which sentence best describes the refrigerator's main rule?
A.IF the door is closed, THEN turn the light off.
B.IF the ice bin is full, THEN stop making ice.
C.IF the inside temperature is above the set number, THEN run the cooling motor.
D.IF the power is on, THEN make a humming sound.
Challenging
Imagine a refrigerator was built without a door. What would be the biggest problem for its cooling algorithm?
A.The light would never turn on.
B.There would be no place for magnets.
C.It would be hard to get food out.
D.The sensor would always say 'it's too warm,' so the motor would run forever.
Challenging
You are designing a 'Classroom Refrigerator' computer program. To follow the rule 'save energy,' what special instruction would be best?
A.An instruction to make extra ice during recess.
B.An instruction to automatically lock the door during lesson time.
C.An instruction to play a song every time the door opens.
D.An instruction to make the inside light flash different colors.
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