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 on pages 158-9 or have the skills needed for that Try-It before doing this one.  To earn this Try-It, you must start with the first activity.

1. BE PREPARED!
With an adult as yoru partner, learn to use an Internet Browser.  In the addressslot, type in the address of the Just for Girls Web site:

http://www.girlscouts.com/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.
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 using 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 tipic. 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" at the end of its name? The meeans that the company sells something.  What does it sell? Does it give you some useful inforemation?  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 email 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 a color printer, experiment with coloring the letters and coloring cells in your table.


BROWNIE			RESPONSIBILITY
Tanisha			Tent
Kyoko			Firewood
Megan			Marshmallows
Rajani			Juice
Nikki			Bug Spray
Kristen			Cleanup
Rachel			Flashlights
Zoe			Marshmallow Sticks
Amber			Identification Books

LEADER			RESPONSIBILITY
Mrs. Peterson		Fire Safety
Mrs. Han		Tent Setup
Mrs. Vidacovic		Sandwiches


6. COMPUTERS AND WORK
Computers are needed in many different jobs.  Talk withs omeone who uses a computer in her work.  How does she use it?  How does it make her job easier?

7. COMPUTERS AT PLAY
Play an online game or puzzle that you find through Brownie Girl Scout "Links" on just for Girls at www.girlscouts.org/girls