COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
|
Explanation of Computational Thinking
Computational thinking is a skill that students acquire through critical thinking by solving a problem. When we use computational thinking, we are analyzing a problem and looking at it through a system. Computational thinking is a four step process that includes decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking. Students learn to break down a problem into more simple parts, which is known as decomposition. They also learn how to find similarities and differences between problems by examining and recognizing patterns. This teaches students to critically analyze patterns within problems to identify what is effective for use. Students learn to identify what is important and what is not through abstraction or abstract thinking. Lastly, students learn how to follow a set of rules through algorithmic thinking. The set of rules are the steps to solving a particular problem. Value for My Students Computational thinking is valuable for my students because it supports their learning of being a problem solver through critical analysis. They are encouraged to explore problems by breaking them down into smaller pieces. Computational thinking allows my students to access several parts of their brain. It further supports my students to build the essential skills needed to solve complex problems by analyzing and recognizing patterns. Students take complex problems through a four step process to reach a solution. It helps students build self-efficacy through problem-solving. Computational thinking can be applied to reading and writing. Students can participate in games that allow them to participate in the four step process. |
Computational Thinking Core Concept:
[Going Bananas with Lemonade Written by Martin Olson and Geln Berger
Check Your Steps
Take Me To the Fair Activity
Check Your Steps
Take Me To the Fair Activity
Computational Thinking Activities
|
Activity 1:
Book: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie written by Laura Numeroff
-Decomposition: Students will retell the story and break it down into events. -Pattern Recognition: What happens if the story is out of order? What do you know about retelling other stories? -Abstraction: What are the most important parts of the story? What information is important? -Algorithmic Design: Act out the story and create a story map. |
|
Activity 2:
Students will use magnetic letters, play dough, or paper to make sight words. They will show how they make the sight word and what steps they must take to create it. Students will verbally describe how they created their sight words after completion. |