The Muddy City - Minimal Spanning Trees

Our society is linked by many networks: telephone networks, utility supply networks, computer networks, and road networks. For a particular network there is usually some choice about where the roads, cables, or radio links can be placed. This resource explores the need to find ways of efficiently linking objects in a network. The resource begins with a discussion about the activity 'the muddy city problem'. The activity contains variations and extensions. To conclude there is more information about minimal spanning trees followed by solutions and hints. This collection of twenty activities from Computer Science Unplugged is designed to aid the teaching and learning of computer science through engaging games and puzzles using cards, string, crayons and lots of running around.