Knowledge and Skills Statement
Computational thinking--foundations. The student explores the core concepts of computational thinking, a set of problem-solving processes that involve decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms.
Further Explanation
The further explanation is designed to be a resource for educators that helps them better understand the topic their students are learning. Further explanations may be written at a more complex level than would be expected for students at the grade level.
The computational thinking process begins with the decomposition of the problem: breaking down the process into a set of smaller subprocesses that allow us to describe, understand, or better execute the process. Decomposition could include dividing a task into a sequence of subtasks or identifying elements or parts of a complex system. For example, when one gives someone directions to their house, they are decomposing the process of getting from one place to another.
Demonstrated Proficiency
Give students a problem or task to discuss and decompose into sequential steps. Students can use various ways to identify the smaller pieces, including the following:
- Identify the pieces and sequential steps verbally
- Illustrate the decomposed pieces or steps in a sequence
- Demonstrate the decomposition and sequential steps physically
Example Tasks:
- Making a snack
- Planting a seed
- Cleaning a messy classroom