Computer SCIENCE and Mathematics in the Elementary Schools

Computer science is fundamentally about algorithms recipes for solving problems and performing tasks In the same way that children can learn about dinosaurs with out digging for bones and about planets and space without peering into telescopes the intellectual core of computer science is not dependent on machines for its presentation Just as with these other subjects an approach based on stories activities and ordinary materials can be more more vivid and engaging than approaches that make a fetish of computers We argue that algorithmic topics are a good source of material with which to provide for children in the elementary grades a broad exciting and active introduc tion to mathematics Our experiences sharing some of these topics with classrooms in grades one through four ages are described We propose that principles of lan guage acquisition should be applied to the teaching of the mathematical sciences and review how these principles have previously been applied to the teaching of reading and writing We discuss some of the important aspects of the mathematics research com munity experience and explore ways in which this experience can be fostered in the classroom Some kinds of mathematical research in algorithms and combinatorics are actually accessible to elementary age children and conversely interaction with children can sometimes inspire research questions We describe some examples of this surprising research community