Computational thinking and programming (year 9)

Breaking down a complex problem or system into smaller or more manageable parts.

• decomposition
• pattern recognition
• abstraction
• algorithms

Looking for similarities among and within problems.

• decomposition
• pattern recognition
• abstraction
• algorithms

Focusing on the important information only, ignoring irrelevant detail.

• decomposition
• pattern recognition
• abstraction
• algorithms

Developing a step-by-step solution to the problem, or the rules to follow to solve the problem.

• decomposition
• pattern recognition
• abstraction
• algorithms

Computational thinking is...

• giving instructions to a computer
• thinking like a computer (in binary)
• using a set of techniques and approaches to help solve problems
• creating a sequence of instructions

Why do we think computationally?

• to help us program
• to help us solve complex problems more easily
• to help us to think like a computer
• to help us plan our actions

Define ABSTRACTION

• Breaking a task into smaller tasks.

• Drawing a map to show how to reach a destination.

• Creating step by step instructions.

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

Define DECOMPOSITION

• Breaking a task into smaller tasks.

• Looking for similarities and trends.

• A sequence of instructions.

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

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.

Define ALGORITHM

• Breaking a task into smaller tasks.

• Looking for similarities and trends.

• A sequence of instructions.

• Deciding what computer to use.