gamedesign

Q5 Algorithm: Introduction

21. Computational Thinking

Introduction

In this Quest, get ready to explore algorithms! You’ll start with a card-sorting activity from Code.org that shows you how to break a big problem into smaller, easier steps. Then, test your skills in a Digital Breakout Challenge with five locks to crack—can you escape?

Algorithms are the final step in computational thinking. They’re simply step-by-step instructions (like a recipe or game rules) that help you solve problems clearly and efficiently.

learning objectives

I can:

  • Create an algorithm for a complex problem.

Play the short video below to learn about algorithms.  Think about what you already know or what might be new learning from the video. 

Unplugged - Real-Life Algorithms: Planting a Seed

Direct link (1:57 min.)

 21. Computational Thinking

21.Q5 Vocabulary 

21.Q5 Student Checklist

21.Q5 Teacher Guide

MITECS  Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students, and

ISTE Standards for Students

1. Empowered Learner
 d. Understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to choose, use, and troubleshoot current technologies, and transfer their knowledge to explore emerging technologies.

4. Innovative Designer
 d. Exhibit a tolerance for ambiguity, perseverance, and the capacity to work with open-ended problems.

5. Computational Thinker

a. Students formulate problem definitions suited for technology-assisted methods such as data analysis, abstract models, and algorithmic thinking in exploring and finding solutions.
b. Collect data or identify relevant data sets.
c. Break problems into parts, extract key information, and develop descriptive models to understand complex systems or facilitate problem-solving.
d. Understand how automation works and use algorithmic thinking to develop a sequence of steps to create and test automated solutions.

6. Creative Communicator
c. Communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models, or simulations.

Websites

Videos from Outside Sources

21t4s Videos

  • None

21t4s Documents & Quizzes

21t4s Digital Breakout Challenge

A Digital Breakout may also be called a Digital Escape Room.

This is a web-based, game-like activity where students use clues to unlock a series of puzzles or activities to solve a challenge (or to escape a digital room).

Students frequently work together, (conference, or chat) as they work to locate and solve clues.

For additional help  to solve a breakout view this short video (3:44).