Think Like a Computer Scientist

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 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

Define PATTERN RECOGNITION.

• A sequence of instructions.

• Looking for similarities and trends.

• Breaking a task into smaller tasks.

• Focusing on what is important and ignoring what is unnecessary.

If you had multiple problems and needed to make it easier for yourself what process might you use?

• Abstraction

• Algorithmic thinking

• Decomposition

• Recognising the pattern

When designing a building that must be accessible for wheelchairs, which of the following characteristics is non-essential?

• Number of doors

• Number of walls

• Number of wall paintings

Why do we need to look for patterns in problems?

• Patterns make it easier for us to solve complex problems

• We don't need to look for patterns

• Patterns make it more difficult complex problems

When we put the block code pieces in order to travel through the maze, we were practicing....

• decomposition
• pattern recognition
• abstraction
• algorithms

Which of the following is an example of thinking computationally?
When going to meet a friend...

• planning your route
• wandering around until you find them
• asking a parent to plan for you
• giving up and doing something else