Computational Thinking - Algorithms

​Big Question:

• ​How do we define Computational Thinking as an approach used to understand complex problems and develop possible solutions​?

• How do we identify the four corner stones of computational thinking as decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and algorithmic thinking​

​Key words: Computational, decomposition, pattern, abstraction, algorithm

​Algorithm noun

​ A set of instructions to perform a task or solve a problem

​Al-gor-ithm

​"A basic algorithm for making a cake"

​Turn & Talk

​Person A: I think that.....

Person B: I agree / would like to build on / would like to challenge

​How many problems do you solve every day?​ What kind of problems do you solve each day?​ How do you solve those problems?

​How many problems do you solve every day?​ What kind of problems do you solve each day?​ How do you solve those problems?

​You solve the problem of how you get to school by planning a route and using a map?​ 

​Some problems are even solved for you like, what to watch next on Netflix?​

​Computational Thinking is an approach used to understand complex problems and develop possible solutions.

​Computational Thinking is an approach used to understand complex problems and develop possible solutions.

• ​​ How can you route pieces of information across a network to the other side of the world?​

• How can you make the images in a computer game look more realistic?​

• How can we track the spread of infections of a virus?​

• How can you search billions of websites items quickly?

​Computational Thinking

​Computational Thinking

​Decomposition – breaking down a large problem into smaller sub-problems that are easier to understand

​Abstraction – removing irrelevant parts from a problem and focussing on the relevant details needed to solve it.

​Pattern Recognition– Finding patterns and similarities within a problem.

​Algorithmic Thinking - Identifying the steps involved in solving a problem.

Questions ahead...

Match

Match the following

• Decomposition

• Pattern Recognition

• Abstraction

• Algorithm

Breaking down a problem into smaller problems

patterns that repeat

Removing details we don't need

A set of instruction to complete a task

• Breaking down a problem into smaller problems

• patterns that repeat

• Removing details we don't need

• A set of instruction to complete a task

​Go to class notebook

Complete Activity 1

​Algorithms and Algorithmic Thinking

​An algorithm is a sequence of instructions that solves a problem or carry out a task. Algorithmic Thinking is the process of identifying the steps involved in solving a problem.

​Algorithms and Algorithmic Thinking

​Sequence – Instructions written in the correct order.​

Step 1 – Put toothpaste on your tooth brush​

Step 2 – Brush your teeth with your tooth brush​ Step 3 – Rinse your mouth with water

​Why do these have to be in the right sequence?

​Algorithms and Algorithmic Thinking

​When writing out the steps to solving a problem, it is important we as humans can understand it, before we write the instructions in a way computers will understand. There are three ways we represent algorithms for humans to understand. See the examples for writing your homework.

​Algorithms and Algorithmic Thinking

Questions ahead...

Multiple Choice

An algorithm is...

• Looking for patterns

• A set of instructions to solve a problem/task

• Removing detail we don't need

• Breaking down problems into smaller problems

​Algorithm for crossing the road

Open Ended

Write an Algorithm for crossing the road....

​Algorithm for crossing the road

​Algorithm for crossing the road

​Writing an algorithm

​SantaBot 2000 has been built to help

Santa deliver gifts around HAWI.

However he doesn't yet have the algorithm he needs to deliver them.

​Write an algorithm for SantaBot that will allow him to get the gifts from the North Pole to around HAWI and delver the presents. The most detailed and accurate algorithm will get a sticker

​Writing an algorithm

Things to consider:

SantaBot 2000 will not do any steps himself. If you don't tell him to pack gifts he will leave without any.

If you aren't clear he might get stuck in a loop or not know what to do next.

What else do we need to consider?