Computational Thinking Module
Computational Thinking (CT) is a problem-solving skill that helps students break apart problems so they can better understand the process of how to solve the problem. This process involves: 1) decomposing the problem into smaller, more understandable parts; 2) observing patterns or connections between the smaller parts of the problem; 3) determining what steps or computations (algorithms) need to be calculated to solve the problem; and 4) solving the problem but also able to justify their reasoning for how they came to their answer.
Please complete a reflection after teaching the lesson(s). The first two reflections are due October 4. The CT links provide PowerPoints and standards-aligned lesson plans to introduce CT in grades 3-8.
If you are new to CODERS curriculum, complete a reflection, give us feedback on the lessons, and share your modifications. We would love to hear how the lesson(s) went. Lesson reflections are required for 2024 CODERS Program participants.
Activity 1: Computational Thinking Overview Presentation developed by Dr. Razib Iqbal, Programming Logics and States.
Activity 2: Computational Thinking: Problem Solving, Debugging, and Optimizing Code
- Students will learn to identify a problem, brainstorm solutions, and solve the problem.
- Students will learn to develop an outline or flow chart into code, and then learn how to debug and optimize the code.
Activity 3: Interlinking Cubes and 3D figures to explore Logical Thinking Using Perspective.
- Interlinking Cubes/3D Figures to Teaching Logical Thinking and Perspective PowerPoint
- Printable Lesson Plan
- Printable Handout for the Interlinking Cubes Lesson
Activity 4: Written Programming or Written Programming?
- Printable Lesson Plan
- The video "Why do Computers Use 1s and 0s?" pairs well with the Written Programming Lesson Plan.
Please contact Dr. Diana Piccolo at DPiccolo@MissourState.edu for questions about Computational Thinking.