Searching for a keyword or value is the basis of many computing applications, whether on an internet search engine or looking up a bank account balance.

This activity explores the main algorithms that are used as the basis for searching on computers, using different variations on the game of battleships.

Photos from Live Shows

• Teachers try the battleships game at a conference in Japan

Other Resources

• Wikipedia: Searching Algorithm
• The Mathmaniacs web side has a related activity (lesson 8)
• Video snippets of various algorithms
• Howstuffworks.com explains the large-scale application of these principles.

Curriculum Links

This activity promotes thinking about planning and strategy, using some of the fundamental algorithms for searching data.

New Zealand Curriculum Achievement Objectives

• Mathematics Level 2: Equations and expressions
  • Communicate and interpret simple additive strategies, using words, diagrams (pictures), and symbols.
• Mathematics Level 3: Position and orientation
  • Use a co-ordinate system or the language of direction and distance to specify locations and describe paths.
• Technology Level 1: Planning for practice
  • Outline a general plan to support the development of an outcome, identifying appropriate steps and resources.
• Technology Level 1: Brief development
  • Describe the outcome they are developing and identify the attributes it should have, taking account of the need or opportunity and the resources available.
• Technology Level 1: Outcome development and evaluation
  • Investigate a context to communicate potential outcomes. Evaluate these against attributes; select and develop an outcome in keeping with the identified attributes.

ACM K12 Model Curriculum

• Level I (Grades 3-5) Topic 11: Develop a simple understanding of an algorithm, such as text compression, search, or network routing, using computer-free exercises

Great Principles of Computer Science

• Computation