How does technology work? One pattern common to many technologies
is that simple parts can form a complex whole. The Game of Life
shows that surprising behaviors
emerge from simple rules. Mystery Boxes shows that we can
design complex systems from simple building blocks. Two reasons
this is important: (1) we need understand only simple components to make
powerful technologies and (2) dangerous technologies can be hard to
predict, even if we understand the components. Our
book gives more answers.
Building computers with stone tools
The most important invention
Game of Life
gives students graph paper and simple rules to determine if a "cell" in
a square will be born, continue to live, or die. But the cells
interact so the results can be surprising. An online simulator can
be used after the graph paper.
Mystery Boxes shows students the basic logic gates that are the
building blocks of all digital technology. An online simulator
lets them test behavior of individual blocks and combinations.
Standards (click for details)
Grades 8 - 12 Algebra 1 24.1
9 - 12 Physics 5d