21. Computational Thinking

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever had a complex problem that you needed to solve? This could be a math problem, a science experiment, an essay you need to write, and coding and game design. It could even be as simple as planning the best route to school or baking your favorite cookies!

Computational thinking can be used to take a complex problem, understand what the problem is and develop possible solutions to solve or explain it.

In the following Quests you will learn about the four stages of computational thinking:

• Decomposition: Decomposition is to break down a complex problem or system into smaller, more manageable parts.
• Pattern Recognition: Pattern recognition is looking for patterns and sequences.
• Abstraction: Abstraction is focusing on the important information only, ignoring irrelevant detail.
• Algorithms: Using algorithms you develop a step-by-step solution to the problem, or the rules to follow to solve the problem.

After you have completed the Quests on computational thinking, you will be ready to move on to the Gold Quests to code and create games!

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. understand computational thinking [Computational Thinker]
2. be able to solve complex problems using computational thinking. [Computational Thinker]
3. be able to break down a problem into smaller more manageable parts. [Computational Thinker]
4. know how to look for patterns and sequences. [Computational Thinker]
5. be able to focus on important information only. [Computational Thinker]
6. be able to develop a step-by-step solution to the problem. [Computational Thinker]
7. know how to use coding to automate a task [Computational Thinker]
8. understand computational design by applying technology to a problem [Innovative Designer]
9. understand programming as you complete hands-on activities, solving problems encountered [Computational Thinker]
10. understand the coding your program creates [Empowered Learner]