The Sorting Game : a new way to teach computer science in outreach and museum settings

Abstract

The Sorting Game is a game that teaches people about sorting algorithms in an engaging way. It consists of eight blocks, each with a secret number, and the user must arrange the blocks in numerical order. The user does not know any of the numbers, but may compare any two and figure out which block has a higher number. This is analogous to the comparison model of sorting. A secondary goal is to find the correct order in as few comparisons as possible. The Sorting Game can therefore lead to discussions about algorithmic thinking and other topics in computer science. This game, when completed, can be used as an interactive exhibit at a museum or as an outreach module in a classroom.