Innovators in Computing Hunt
This hunt acquaints you with the pioneers of computing. When you are done, you'll realize that calling someone a Geek
or Nerd is actually the highest form of flattery!
answer format

Directions: Use the hypertext links to go to a web site that has the answer. Use the Go or History Menu to return to the hunt web page. If a link is broken, use your Internet research skills to find the information you need to answer the question.

1. Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper. Edison invented the light bulb. Tesla invented the radio. Bell is credited with inventing the telephone. Bessie Virginia Blount invented several assistive devices to help handicapped people with daily activities.

The Altair is considered the first "successful"personal computer.
Who developed it?

 

2. Name the Steve who invented the first Apple Computer.

 

3. Marcian "Ted" Hoff's invention drastically changed computing. What did he invent?

 

4. Doug Engelbart has invented many things that make computing easier for us. Name two.

 

 

5. A revolutionary in thinking about computers, he believed in Man Computer Symbiosis.
He also envisioned a network of computers around the world. Name him.

 

What is symbiosis?

 

In what way(s) have we achieved his vision of symbiosis with computers?

 

Use you Internet searching skills to answer this question

6. In 1990, Tim Berners-Lee wrote a new language. You may not speak it or write it.
Yet you use his language all the time. What is that language?
Where do you use this language?

 

How does he feel his world changing invention is threatened?

 

 

7. At what age did Bill Gates become interested in computing?

 

What was his early vision of computing?

 

By The Way - Bill Gates did not invent the computer. He developed the software BASIC.

 

8. Your keyboard has its roots in the Typewriter and the QWERTY keyboard which was invented by ... look him up

 

What did he believe was very important?

 

 

9. In 1958, William Higinbotham wrote a program that was an interactive display for guests at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
What was it called? It was probably the first what?

 

10. She is credited with being the first computer programmer. Name her. Use your Internet research skills to ascertain the answer.

 

11. Grace Murray Hopper invented the first computer compiler.
What does she say about information and knowledge?

 

12. In Oct. 1982, the first CD player hit the shelves. Who came up with the idea for cds?

 

What was the inventor's motivation?

 

Use your online research skills to glean the answers:

13. Vinton Gray Cerf has played a vital role in the development of _________________________________.

His role was so important he is called: ___________________________________________________

14. How was the Homebrew Computer Club important in computing history?

 

Is there a similar group in your school or community? What is the group's name?

 

15. In 1977, Dennis C. Hayes invented a computer component that is essential to computer communication.
What did he invent?

What does his device do?

 

16. Jack Kilby invented the integrated circuit.
What device did he go on to invent that helped people value the power of his IC's?

 

17. Who, would you say is the "father or mother" of the iPod?

18. Why did Scott Fahlman add the first emoticon to his email messaage? :-)

Use your online research skills to find the answer.

19. Robert E. Kahn was awarded the National Medal of Technology for

 

20. Steve Jobs' Think Different leadership has changed our lives. Explain.

21. The 2007 Nobel Prize in physics was awarded to Albert Fert and Peter Grunberg for simultaneously and independently
discovering giant magnetoresistance. How have their discoveries impacted your life?

Evaluate:

Who would you say made the greatest contribution to computing? Support your answer.

OR

Consider the most recent recipients of "The National Science and Technology Medal".
Which one has made the most impact on your life? Explain.

"Wherever smart people work, doors are unlocked." Steve Wosniak

Extensions:

Look into this: You would not leave a faucet running constantly in case you want to wash your hands.
Consider the costs of leaving a computer on all the time. The cost of electricity

How Much Juice Is Your Computer Using at Night? - “PCs are not hurt by turning them on and off a few times a day,” said Jonathan Koomey, a project scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. “Economic obsolescence is much more dangerous to PCs than turning them on and off.” Reducing Carbon Footprint Of New Gadgets

What do you conclude should be done? Leave it on / turn it off

bullet Consider the Power of Possibilities through Andreessen's eyes

bullet Small Pieces, Loosely Joined activity | bullet Food for thought - Are you 21st Century Literate?

bullet Lunar Society and the Homebrew Computer Club

bullet The Internet - Actions can have lasting consequences

bullet Web 2.0 and You | bullet eGovernment evaluate a website | bullet Using Online Collaboration and Social Networking to do work

bullet Examine Online Collaboration and Social Networking | bullet Podcasts - becoming informed through listening

What is the Web for? Read Chapter One and write your own answer. Computer related Internet hunts
Explore the Visible Storage at the Computer History Museum Binary Internet hunt
GPS technology Bloggez- vous? Should you build a blog?
Database Internet activity  
Cyberinfrastructure - examines the convergence of three realities -- the spread of the Internet, the shrinkage of computers, and the accumulation of databases

Internet Hunts / Nature / Computers / Famous Pennsylvanians / Pennsylvania Project / Puzzles & Projects / Site map / Home

All trademarks, copyright and logos belong to their respective owners.

10/2003 Cynthia J. O'Hora, In honor of Steve Wozniak & Steve Jobs released to public domain. revised 10/07. Updated 12/2023

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