TV on a Rolling Cart

What were the first computers like?

From Mystery Doug

What were the first computers like?
8 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScienceTechnology
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Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "What were the first computers like?" -- and follows the clues. The first computers were room-sized machines full of switches that did one job at a time -- far slower than the phone in your pocket. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

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All ages
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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "What were the first computers like?"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about computer, or what did you already know?
  3. What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: computer, machine, history.

Try it: Explain the answer to "What were the first computers like?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.

What were the first computers like? — TV on a Rolling Cart