computational thinking

computational thinking

1. decomposition

   • definition
     • breaking down a problem into smaller more manageable problems
   • skill
     • create a decomposition diagram for a problem
   • example
     • find the tallest year 8 class
       • get the average height of each class
         • calculate the average height of the class
           • and then add them up and you have it

2. abstraction

   • definition
     • removing unnecessary details from a problem to create a simpler problem
   • skill
     • identifying what aspects of a problem are necessary for the solution
   • example
     • London, underground map, diagrams, models

3. pattern recognition

   • definition
     • identifying repeating elements to simplify a solution
   • skill
     • be able to spot repetition and follow instructions with loops
   • example
     • repeat 3 times
       • move forward
       • turn left

4. algorithms

   • definition
     • a set of step by step instructions to solve a problem
   • skill
     • follow and create a structured English algorithms and flow charts