1.4 - Basic History

The Plan

The history of computers is long and very well documented. From the abacus over 4000 years ago to inventions in the 1600's, to Charles Babbage's difference engine and Margaret Hamilton's work with NASA. Not only are women a crucial aspect of where we are today with technology but the inventions and collaboration from coast to coast are a vast and thoroughly interesting story.

• Today we will go over some pieces of the history of computers

  • Listen to this awesome (hilariously cringe) song

  • Watch this 6min video: History of Computers From 1930 to 2022

  • Maybe watch this historically accurate video used AI to generate all the graphics (which aren't exactly accurate)

  • Check out the Computerhistory.org Timeline

• (optional) This video might be 45 minutes long, but it's actually very good.

Your Task

• Log onto a computer

• Go to Hapara and complete the "1.4 - Basic History" task

  • read carefully and follow the instructions in the document

  • submit it when you are finished (due by next class)

Extra

• Select one of the history items you researched and try the following:

  • Go to suno.com and create a free account with your school Google account

  • Prompt the AI to generate a song, in the style of your choosing, about your historical topic. Try to be specific with your prompt. You have enough credits to create 5 songs for free, so don't waste them.

• What era of computing interests you?

  • The ability to research anything you want is one of the best benefits of The Internet. Why not learn about a piece of computer technology you are curious about?