Computational Thinking: Abstraction and Decomposition

Computational Thinking: Abstraction and Decomposition

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to explain computational thinking in depth, including abstraction and decomposition.

Introduce the learning objective to the students and explain what they will be able to do by the end of the lesson.

What do you already know about computational thinking?

What is Computational Thinking?

Computational thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves breaking down a problem into smaller, more manageable parts.

Explain the concept of computational thinking and why it is important.

Decomposition

Decomposition is the process of breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts.

Explain what decomposition is and why it is important in computational thinking.

Example of Decomposition

An example of decomposition is breaking down the process of making a sandwich into smaller steps such as getting bread, adding condiments, and adding toppings.

Give an example of decomposition and explain how it works.

Abstraction

Abstraction is the process of focusing on the important information only, ignoring irrelevant details.

Explain what abstraction is and why it is important in computational thinking.

Example of Abstraction

An example of abstraction is using a map to get from point A to point B, without worrying about every single detail of the route.

Give an example of abstraction and explain how it works.

Algorithms

Algorithms are a set of instructions that solve a specific problem.

Explain what algorithms are and how they relate to computational thinking.

Flowcharts

Flowcharts are a visual representation of an algorithm, using symbols to represent different steps.

Introduce flowcharts and explain how they are used in computational thinking.

Pseudocode

Pseudocode is a high-level description of an algorithm that uses plain language instead of code.

Explain what pseudocode is and how it is used in computational thinking.

Debugging

Debugging is the process of finding and fixing errors in an algorithm.

Explain what debugging is and why it is important in computational thinking.

Logical Thinking

Logical thinking is the process of using reasoning and critical thinking to solve problems.

Explain what logical thinking is and how it relates to computational thinking.

Problem-Solving Strategies

There are many problem-solving strategies, including trial and error, working backwards, and breaking the problem down.

Introduce different problem-solving strategies and explain how they are used in computational thinking.

Real-World Applications

Computational thinking is used in many different fields, including science, engineering, and business.

Give examples of real-world applications of computational thinking and explain how it is used in different fields.

Collaboration

Collaboration is an important part of computational thinking, as it allows multiple people to work together to solve a problem.

Explain the importance of collaboration in computational thinking and give examples of how it can be used.

Summary

Computational thinking involves breaking down a problem into smaller parts, using abstraction to focus on important information, and using logical thinking to solve problems.

Summarize the key points of the lesson and review what the students have learned.

Quiz

Take a short quiz to test your knowledge of computational thinking and its components.

Create a quiz for the students to take and use it as a formative assessment.

Activity: Decomposition

In small groups, break down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts and present your solution to the class.

Divide the class into small groups and give them a problem to decompose. Have each group present their solution to the class.

Activity: Abstraction

In pairs, create a flowchart or pseudocode for a simple algorithm, using abstraction to focus on the important steps.

Divide the class into pairs and have them create a flowchart or pseudocode for a simple algorithm, using abstraction to focus on the important steps.

Activity: Debugging

In pairs, identify errors in each other's algorithms and work together to fix them.

Divide the class into pairs and have them identify errors in each other's algorithms. Encourage them to work together to fix the errors.

Activity: Real-World Applications

In small groups, research and present on a real-world application of computational thinking in a specific field.

Divide the class into small groups and have them research a real-world application of computational thinking in a specific field. Have each group present their findings to the class.

Activity: Problem-Solving Strategies

In small groups, choose a problem-solving strategy and apply it to a given problem. Present your solution to the class.

Divide the class into small groups and give them a problem to solve using a specific problem-solving strategy. Have each group present their solution to the class.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.