Network Routing Algorithms

1. Network Routing Algorithms Patricia Desire Marconi Academy, CPS IIT Research Mentor: Tricha Anjali This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant No. EEC-0502174. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

2. Overview • Subject – Network Routing Algorithms • Target audience – 5th and 6th grade • Time requirement – 6 forty minute sessions

3. Overview • Objectives • Content - Students will gain an understanding of network routing and how information is communicated using routing algorithms. • Inquiry/Problem Solving – Students will be guided to a determination of best cost routes through hands on activities. • Design – Students will design a network route using art materials. • Ethics – Students will understand some of the ethics issues involved in engineering and network routing.

4. Overview • Illinois Learning Standards • 1. A.3b Analyze the meaning of words and phrases in their context. • 1. C.3d Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate them to the purpose of the material. • 5. A.3b Design a project related to contemporary issues (e.g., real-world math, career development, community service) using multiple sources. • 5. C.3c Take notes, conduct interviews, organize and report information in oral, visual and electronic formats. • 7. B.3 Select and apply instruments including rulers and protractors and units of measure to the degree of accuracy required. • 8. A.3b Solve problems using linear expres­sions, equations and inequalities. • 8. D.3b Propose and solve problems using proportions, formulas and linear functions. • 9. D.3 Compute distances, lengths and measures of angles using proportions, the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse.

5. Overview • 10. A.3c Test the reasonableness of an argument based on data and communicate their findings. • 10. B.3 Formulate questions (e.g., relationships between car age and mileage, average incomes and years of schooling), devise and conduct experiments or simulations, gather data, draw conclusions and communicate results to an audience using traditional methods and contemporary technologies. • 11. B.3a Identify an actual design problem and establish criteria for determining the success of a solution. • 11. B.3b Sketch, propose and compare design solutions to the problem considering available materials, tools, cost effectiveness and safety. • 11. B.3b Sketch, propose and compare design solutions to the problem considering available materials, tools, cost effectiveness and safety. • 26. B.3d Visual Arts: Demonstrate knowledge and skills to create 2- and 3-dimensional works and time arts (e.g., film, animation, and video) that are realistic, abstract, functional and decorative. (optional)

6. Background Information • How routers work • How routing algorithms work • http://computer.howstuffworks.com/router.htm • http://computer.howstuffworks.com/routing-algorithm.htm

7. Examples Activity 1 What Do Engineers Do? This introduces the students to a variety of engineering specialties. It also raises the awareness of students to ethical issues that engineers face.

8. Examples Activity 2 Introduction to Routing This gives students an introduction to routing using inquiry and introduces them to key vocabulary.

9. Examples Activity 3 Pass the Packet Students will pass an envelope through the class following guidelines to show how routing takes place.

10. Examples Activity 4 Let’s Go to the Conservatory Students will draw aroute from their school to Garfield Park Conservatory, then measure and record the distance on a table. They will then compute the total distance and time and determine the best route.

11. Examples Activity 5 Designing Routes, Part 1 Students will use two different sites on the computer to design routes, assigning costs to each link. They will then determine the best cost routes. A 5 B 4 4 6 C D 3

12. Examples Activity 6 Designing Routes, Part 2 Building on the previous activity, students will use art materials to design a computer route on paper. Students will also analyze a design to determine best cost routes. A 5 B 4 4 6 C D 3

13. Project • Design project: Students will use art materials to design a small network with hosts and routers, according to specific guidelines.

14. Materials • Copies of worksheets for each student • Laptop computer • Projector • Calculators • Art supplies • IRV Tool, freeware available at http://www.welzl.at/research/tools/irvtool/

15. Assessment Concepts to be assessed: • Networks • Routing • Routing algorithms • Designing a network • Ethics

16. Assessment Assessments: • Multiple choice for vocabulary and engineers • Rubrics for projects • Pre and post tests

17. Accommodations and Modifications • Students with special needs may work in pairs with other students. • Students with special needs may be given worksheets and assessments at the beginning of class. • Design requirements may be modified for gifted students or students with special needs.