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Use the analogy of carrying weights to teach students about how the amount of memory being used affects runtime.

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  • For instance, imagine asking the student to carry many backpacks. Then ask the student to write a note while carrying all of those backpacks.
  • How difficult the above task is shows why it is difficult for the computer to balance many tasks at once given a finite amount of memory.

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  • Algorithms and Design
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Interview with Susan Scarbrough

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Other Tips By Susan Scarbrough

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Model writing code using the following techniques to show students how you think about constructing programs in order to support them in learning to independently think through algorithm development.
Build a paper airplane instead of the PB&J exercise for a less messy, more extensible algorithms introduction activity.
Have students sort large signs their classmates hold to better visualize different sorting algorithms. However, be mindful of unsuitable factors to sort by, such as height and weight.
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