Computing With Peanut Butter And Jelly
Sandwiches
Submitted by: Chrystal D. Ollis
Endorsed by: Richard Reidl
Appalachian State University
Date: February 6,1995
Description:
Computers can be very picky about the commands they are given. This can be extremely
frustrating to students. To help them understand the way a computer "sees
things" and the importance of being specific, this lesson makes the students give
instructions on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich only to have the
instructions misinterpreted by the person making the sandwich because the directions are
not clear and specific.
Grade Levels: Grades 8-12
Background Information:
This activity can be used with students at all levels of computer experience. The
lesson teaches them about being specific with computer commands. An important thing to
note is this lesson is taught about computers without using a computer.
Concepts:
Students will be able to:
- Relate importance of being specific with directions for making a peanut butter and jelly
sandwich to writing commands on a computer.
- Identify reasons for being specific when typing commands onto a computer.
Materials:
- Loaf of Bread
- Jar of Peanut Butter
- Jar of Jelly
- Knives (2)
Activities and Procedures:
- Tell the students to write down the step by step instructions for making a peanut butter
and jelly sandwich.(These are the only instructions given.)
- While supervising the activity, look over some of the answers and pick one out to
use.(This allows you to pickthe set of student instructions to best demonstrate your
point.)
- Write the instructions on the board or overhead for all to observe.
- Bring out the materials and place them on a table in clear view.
- Follow the directions like someone who has never make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich
or any sandwich.
For example: Student's Instructions
(1) Take two pieces of bread.
(2) Take a knife and spread peanut butter on one piece of bread.
(3) Put jelly on the other piece of bread.
(4) Put the two pieces of bread together.
Your Actions
(1) Tear open the bread from the middle and grab two pieces of bread. (This is even more
effective if you get two pieces that may have fallen on the floor.)
(2) Pick up the knife in one hand and put the other hand deep into the peanut butter and
spread it onto one ofthe slices of bread. (The knife remains clean.)
(3) Pour the entire jar of jelly on the other piece of bread.
(4) Put the two slices of bread together with the peanut butter and jelly facing the
outsides.
Evaluation:
1. Ask students if this is what a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich usually looks like.
2. Ask them if you followed the instructions.
3. Ask how the confusion could be avoided.
4. Ask how this relates to typing commands on a computer.
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