1) Importance and applications of computers 2) How it might be affecting the life of these kids without their own knowledge 3) How computers work in a very simplified way 4) Using computers for fun
A charity organization has donated about 6 computers which they have kept in a room. I guess the students will have access to these.
I know some people would find this controversial since this is a high school classroom and not a vocational/trade school - that the kids need to focus on learning and building a strong educational foundation. But I'm from India and know how bad the situation can get... these kids are probably under a lot of pressure to earn for their families. Besides, I'm guessing there are people in the US with PhDs that are struggling to find jobs in this economy... if one benefit of a strong, pure educational foundation is some guarantee of job security in the future, it certainly isn't always the case.
Can anyone think of realistic ways that kids in this situation could make money by coding, or doing something computer related, on the Web? Amazon Mechanical Turk comes to mind, but I don't know much about it, or if the tasks involved will teach you anything significant.
In the end, though, it is your judgement. You have to teach them
a) what you're comfortable with
b) what they will respond to
c) what seems to provide value, short and long term.
I think basic science is better than "about computers", but you'll be the man on the spot, and it will be your call. I think you're doing a fantastic thing.