This is a game/activity to explain logic ports in an easy way. In this game students will signal the next student by squeezing the finger of a next student and they will relay the signal forwards, if the rule allows them to.
| Learning Scenario Identity | |
| Title | JYU23: Boolean operators |
| Creator | JYU |
| Length | 90 minutes (2×45 minutes) |
| Main idea/description | This is a game/activity to explain logic ports in an easy way. In this game students will signal the next student by squeezing the finger of a next student and they will relay the signal forwards, if the rule allows them to. |
| Target group | 3rd-6th grade |
| Curriculum/learning subjects | Mathematics, Physical Education, ICT |
| Competencies | The students learn algorithmic thinking and how computers work in basic level. Boolean operators are easy to understand and can be played physically. The students learn simple principles of programming languages, the idea of conditional sentences in programming. |
| Teachers’ wellness competences | TC4: Social e-competency |
| Learning Scenario Framework | |
| Pedagogical method | PI3. Enforcing attention and Awareness |
| Software/materials | For this scenario, physical interaction is key to understanding logic gates, so it’s important for students to see and interact with each other. If done online, ensure clear, simple instructions. Students can visualize the hand-squeezing activity without needing constant visuals, focusing on clear communication and physical feedback instead. Teacher Tools: The teacher should use conferencing tools to facilitate communication and manage breakout rooms if done online, allowing group interaction and teacher supervision. Clear Instructions: Start with simple, one-step demonstrations of AND, OR, and NOT gates using students’ hands. Use real-world analogies, like signaling between people, to make abstract concepts tangible. Slowly escalate the complexity, combining gates to mimic more advanced circuits. Engagement and Breaks: To reduce stress and maintain engagement, introduce short breaks between activities. These could involve physical stretches or brief mindfulness moments, helping students refocus. Gradual Complexity: Begin with simple logic gates and gradually increase the complexity by chaining gates together. This helps students become comfortable with the concepts without overwhelming them. Collaboration and Reflection: Encourage students to reflect on their problem-solving process. After completing each task, discuss how different combinations of logic gates can be used to create complex circuits. This approach ensures that students engage with the material in a hands-on, low-stress way, promoting understanding and collaboration while minimizing cognitive overload. |
| Evaluation tools | The teacher observes the pairs as they start to work on the assignment. The teacher also follows the discussions after each assignment. |
| Learning Scenario Implementation | |
| Learning activities (description, duration, worksheets) | IntroductionExplain that Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) help us make decisions based on different inputs. Students will simulate these logic gates using physical signals to pass along information. Only one person in each pair will act at a time, encouraging clear communication and focus. AND-operator:AND gate will only pass on the signal if both of the incoming signals are squeezed. An AND-student is chosen. His/hers left hand is the input and right hand is output. Two students take AND-students index and pinky fingers in to their hands, one finger each. AND-student takes somebody elses hand with the right output hand. If both fingers in the input hand are squeezed, AND-student should squeeze the hand/finger on the output hand.  OR-operator:OR gate will pass on the signal if one OR both of the incoming signals are squeezed. An OR-student is chosen. His/hers left hand is the input and right hand is output. Two students take OR-students index and pinky fingers in to their hands, one finger each. OR-student takes somebody elses hand with the right output hand. If one or both fingers in the input hand are squeezed, OR-student should squeeze the hand/finger on the output hand. NOT-operator:NOT gate will pass on the signal if there is no incoming signal. A NOT-student is chosen. His/hers left hand is the input and right hand is output. One student takes NOT-students index finger in to their hand. NOT-student takes somebody elses hand with the right output hand. If fingers in the input hand are NOT squeezed, NOT-student should squeeze the hand/finger on the output hand. Exercise 1: Simulating Logic Gates in Pairs Pair Up and Choose Roles:Each pair of students will act as input and output for the logic gate. One student will be the “operator” (AND, OR, or NOT gate), while the other student(s) will act as the inputs.The operator’s job is to receive the signals (hand squeezes) from the input students and decide when to pass them along to the next student (output). Demonstrate the Gates:For an AND gate, explain that the operator should only pass the signal if both input students squeeze their hand.For an OR gate, the operator will pass the signal if either or both of the input students squeeze.For a NOT gate, the operator should only pass the signal if no squeeze is received. Practice One Step at a Time:Start with a simple AND or OR gate. Let the input students squeeze the operator’s hand, and the operator passes the signal if the condition is met. Only one person moves (squeezes) at a time.After each successful or failed attempt, pause for a brief moment to reset and refocus. Switch Roles:Once the first task is complete, switch roles so both students experience being the operator and input.Gradually combine gates into larger circuits by having the output student of one pair become the input for the next pair. DiscussionAfter practicing the Boolean gates, bring the students together to reflect:”Was it easy to know when to pass the signal?””What was challenging about communicating the signal?””How did combining different gates make the task harder?” Exercise 2: More Complex Circuits Linking Gates:Now that students understand individual gates, let them connect multiple gates together. For example, one student’s output becomes the input for the next operator, creating a chain of logic gates.Encourage students to predict when the final output will receive a signal.Use Conditional Logic: Add complexity by introducing conditional statements (e.g., “If only one input squeezes, don’t pass the signal”). If Students Finish Early:Allow them to invent their own gates or logic puzzles, such as combining inputs from different sources or using more than two inputs to create more complex conditions. Closing DiscussionOnce all pairs have completed the tasks, hold a reflection session:”How did working together help solve the problem?””What did you learn about how logic gates work?””How could we build more complex systems using these gates?”This approach ensures each student has time to focus on their role, promoting clear communication, collaboration, and understanding. By breaking down tasks and using short mindful pauses, technostress is minimized, and learning is enhanced. |
