Computer Smarts

The computer is not only a useful tool. It also opens a door to cool places, new ideas, and tons of information. "Be prepared" is a great motto for this Try-It. You should earn your Point, Click, and Go Try-It first before completing this Try-It. To earn this Try-It you must start with the first activity!

#1. Be Prepared!
With an adult as your partner, learn to use an Internet browser. In the address slot, type in the address of the Just for Girls Web site: http://www.girlscouts/girls . This tells your computer exactly where to go. Are you there yet? Next, read and discuss the Safety Pledge with your adult partner. Print it out and sign it.

YOU'VE GOT COMPUTER SMARTS

It's easy to earn the "Computer Smarts" try-it and have fun too!! Just complete  4  of the activities. 1. Take the safety pledge below, print it and sign it with your parents. 2. Visit one of the "Cool Sites for this Month" on Our Troop Site.. 3. Share what you find on our troop web site with your parents and/or friends. 4. Talk with someone who uses a computer at work. 5. Play an online game from the "Fun and Games Corner" of Our Troop Site.. 6. Search interesting subjects on "Yahooligans" from the "Fun and Games Corner" of Our Troop Site.. 7. Let your leader know when you have completed your 4 activities.

INTERNET SAFETY PLEDGE

1. I will not give out personal information such as name, address, phone numbers or the name and location of my school without my parents permission. 2. I will tell my parents right away if I come across information that makes me feel uncomfortable. 3. I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first checking with my parents. If my parents agree we will meet in a public place and my parents will come along. 4. I will never send a photo of me or anything else without my parents permission. 5. I will not respond to any message that is mean or makes me uncomfortable and I will let my parents know if I get a message. 6. I will set up rules for going online with my parents. I will not break the rules I set up with my parents. Girl Scout Name ______________________________       Date ________________________ Parent Name:  __________________________________      Date _________________________

#2. Open the Door
Visit the "links" section of Just for Girls. You can do that by finding the hypertext (text that is underlined and usually a different color) that says "Links." Click on the icon (a picture) that says "Just for Brownie Girl Scouts." Travel to at least three sites that appear in this section. What does the open door signify? What safety rules should you follow? Learn how to return to the Just for Girls site suing the direction arrows.

#3. Finding a Favorite
Travel to www.yahooligans.com , a search engine just for kids. Check out the categories with your adult partner and find one that interests you. Then use the search engine to find information about a topic. Share what you find with others.

#4. Can You Believe Everything You See?
With your adult partner, can you find a site that has ".com" (commercial) at the end of its name? That means the company sells something. What does it sell? Does it give you useful information? How is advertising online the same as or different from what you see on television or in magazines? What should you do if asked for your name and e-mail address? Talk with an adult who has purchased something online. What things did she or he consider before making a purchase?

#5. Making a chart
Learn how to make a chart with your computer. Make a Kaper chart like the one below for a meeting, campout, or activity. If you have color printer, experiment with coloring the letters and coloring cells in your table.

#6. Computers and Work
Computers are needed in many different jobs. Talk with someone who use a computer in her work. How does she use it? How does it make her job easier?

7. Computers at Play
Play on online game or puzzle that you find through Brownie Girl Scout "Links" on Just for Girls at www.girlscouts.org/girls

Helpful Links:
Just for Girls: The special girl unit
of GSUSA's web site.
Computer Programming for Kids
The Computer Museum

Brownie Try-Its Page