Computational Thinking

What is computational thinking?

• It allows you to break down a large / complex problem into smaller parts.
• It is thinking like a robot
• It is being able to bake a cake.
• It is creating a coding solution to a problem.

What are the three key parts of computational thinking?

• Programming, flowcharts and pseudo code
• Abstraction, decomposition and algorithm
• Input, processing and output
• Patterns, shapes and numbers

What is abstraction?

• A painting
• A programming language
• This means focusing on the important details and ignoring the irrelevant information
• Abstraction is the breaking down of a big problem into smaller parts.

What does decomposition mean?

• focuses on the important information only, ignoring irrelevant detail
• Step by step instructions on solving a problem.
• Thinking like a computer
• This is the breaking down of a complex problem into smaller parts

What is an algorithm?

• A sequence of instructions on how to solve a problem.
• The breaking down of a problem into smaller parts.
• Focusing on important parts and ignoring the irrelevant details
• The recipe for a cake

What are the two main ways that we represent an algorithm?

• By drawing pictures 
• Using flowcharts and pseudo code
• Using python and small basic
• Using Scratch and python

What is a flowchart?

• A visual representation of an algorithm using symbols
• Using 'fake code' to plan an algorithm
• Using a programming language to show an algorithm
• Uisng different types of charts to show an algorithm

What does the following symbol represent in a flowchart?

• An input
• Start
• End
• A process

What does the following flowchart symbol represent?

• A process
• An output
• A decision (choice)
• End

What does the following flowchart symbol represent?

• Input / Output
• Start of flowchart
• A process
• End