Unplugged Resources
​​The invention of the Amazon Dash Button started as a simple idea: what if you could order household items just by pressing a button? Before building the real thing, Amazon's team used everyday materials like cardboard, paper, and sticky notes to create their first prototype. They acted out the entire process - from pressing the button to receiving the order - without using any real technology! This "unplugged coding" approach helped them spot problems and improve their design before writing any computer code.
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Innovators start with a simple design, test it out, and make it better based on what they learn. The Amazon team used basic materials to create mock buttons and mapped out each step of how customers would use them, just like following a recipe.
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The invention of Amazon Dash Buttons led to exciting new ways to order products through devices like Alexa and smart home appliances. It's a great example of how starting simple with everyday materials can lead to amazing innovations!
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An innovation lesson begins with imagination. Students use media to share their ideas—through sketches, drawings, or hands-on materials like recycled items. Even tech lessons can start unplugged, with no devices needed.
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Unplugged Coding:
Unplugged coding is like learning how to think like a computer—but without using one!
You’ll play games, solve puzzles, and do fun activities that show how computers follow instructions.
It's kind of like giving a robot directions to follow!
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Example Activities:
Human Robot Game – One student gives instructions, the other follows like a robot.
Code Your Name with Binary – Use beads or paper to turn letters into computer code.
If-Then Simon Says – A twist on the game using "if" rules.
Treasure Map Algorithms – Give step-by-step directions on a grid to reach a goal.
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Unplugged coding is a great way to build problem-solving skills, collaboration, and confidence—before even touching a computer!
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