computational thinking

Computational Thinking

Open Ended

So what is Computational Thinking

Computational Thinking

• Before computers can be used to solve a problem, the problem itself and the ways in which it could be resolved must be understood. Computational thinking techniques help with these tasks.

• Computational thinking allows us to take a complex problem, understand what the problem is and develop possible solutions. We can then present these solutions in a way that a computer, a human, or both, can understand

There are four key techniques (cornerstones) to computational thinking:

• Decomposition - breaking down a complex problem or system into smaller, more manageable parts

• Pattern recognition – looking for similarities among and within problems

• Abstraction – focusing on the important information only, ignoring irrelevant detail

• Algorithms are one of the four cornerstones of Computer Science. An algorithm is a plan, a set of step-by-step instructions to solve a problem.

The four cornerstones of computational thinking

Each cornerstone is as important as the others. They are like legs on a table - if one leg is missing, the table will probably collapse. Correctly applying all four techniques will help when programming a computer.

Open Ended

What is Decomposition?

What is pattern recognition?

• When we decompose a complex problem we often find patterns among the smaller problems we create. The patterns are similarities or characteristics that some of the problems share.

• Pattern recognition is one of the four cornerstones of Computer Science. It involves finding the similarities or patterns among small, decomposed problems that can help us solve more complex problems more efficiently

Multiple Choice

What Shape Comes Next?

• Oblong

• Square

• Circle

• Triangle

Open Ended

What is Abstraction?

Algorithms are one of the four cornerstones of Computer Science. An algorithm is a plan, a set of step-by-step instructions to solve a problem.

If you can tie shoelaces, make a cup of tea, get dressed or prepare a meal then you already know how to follow an algorithm.

This is an example of an algorithm for sorting cards with colors on them into piles of the same color:

• Pick a card from your hand and look at the color of the card. If there is already a pile of cards of that color, put this card on that pile. If there is no pile of cards of that color, make a new pile of just this card color.

• If there is still a card in your hand, go back to the second step. If there is not still a card in your hand, then the cards are sorted. You are done.

Open Ended

Write your own set of instruction to sort cards by number

Multiple Choice

What is computational thinking?

• Using a set of techniques and approaches to help to solve problems

• Thinking like a computer - in binary

• Giving instructions to a computer

Multiple Select

Why do we need to think computationally?

• To help us to think like a computer

• To help us to program

• To help us solve complex problems more easily

• Thinking like a computer - in binary

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT an example of computational thinking?

• Discussing with your friends how much time and money you have before choosing from a shortlist of places

• Considering the different options carefully before deciding upon the best one

• Letting the bossiest friend decide where you should all go

• Using a set of techniques and approaches to help to solve problems