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Computational Thinking Exercises

Day 1 Activities

Exercise 1: Algorithm Writing - "How to Make a Sandwich"

Objective

Understand that algorithms are precise, step-by-step instructions.

Instructions

  1. Write step-by-step instructions for making a sandwich
  2. Exchange instructions with a partner
  3. Follow your partner's instructions exactly as written
  4. Discuss: What worked? What was missing?

Discussion Questions

  • What made some instructions better than others?
  • Why is precision important in algorithms?
  • How does this relate to computer programming?

Extension

  • Write algorithm for "How to Brush Your Teeth"
  • Identify patterns (repetitive steps)
  • Create abstraction (generalize the process)

Exercise 2: Pattern Recognition - "Find the Pattern"

Objective

Recognize patterns in sequences and data.

Activity

Pattern Sequences: 1. 2, 4, 6, 8, ? (What comes next?) 2. Red, Blue, Red, Blue, ? (What comes next?) 3. Circle, Square, Circle, Square, ? (What comes next?)

Real-World Patterns: - Daily routines (wake up, breakfast, school, etc.) - Seasons (summer, autumn, winter, spring) - Math patterns (multiplication tables)

Discussion

  • How do patterns help us solve problems?
  • Where do we see patterns in our daily lives?
  • How can recognizing patterns help in coding?

Exercise 3: Decomposition - "Plan a School Event"

Objective

Break complex problems into smaller, manageable parts.

Activity

Task: Plan a school science event

Steps: 1. List all the things needed for a science fair 2. Group related items together 3. Break each group into smaller tasks 4. Create a timeline

Example Decomposition: - Venue: Book hall, set up tables, arrange seating - Participants: Invite students, register projects, assign spaces - Judging: Recruit judges, create criteria, schedule judging - Publicity: Create posters, send invitations, announce winners

Discussion

  • Why is it easier to solve small problems than one big problem?
  • How does this relate to writing computer programs?
  • What happens if we skip steps in decomposition?

Exercise 4: Abstraction - "Describe a Car"

Objective

Focus on important details while ignoring irrelevant ones.

Activity

Task: Describe a car to someone who has never seen one

Levels of Abstraction: 1. Very Detailed: "A red 2020 Toyota Corolla with 4 doors, 5 seats, engine in front, wheels made of rubber..." 2. Moderate: "A vehicle with 4 wheels, engine, seats, used for transportation" 3. Abstract: "A machine that moves people from one place to another"

Discussion

  • Which description is most useful? Why?
  • When do we need detail? When can we use abstraction?
  • How does abstraction help in programming?
  • Example: In Scratch, we use "move 10 steps" without needing to know how the computer calculates pixels

Exercise 5: Algorithm Debugging - "Fix the Instructions"

Objective

Understand that algorithms must be correct and complete.

Activity

Broken Algorithm: "How to Make Tea" 1. Put water in kettle 2. Add tea bag 3. Pour hot water 4. Drink tea

Problems: - Missing: Turn on kettle, wait for water to boil, remove tea bag, add sugar/milk - Wrong order: Tea bag added before water is hot

Task: Fix the algorithm

Discussion

  • What happens when algorithms have errors?
  • How do we find and fix errors? (Debugging)
  • Why is testing important?

Exercise 6: Computational Thinking in Daily Life

Objective

Recognize computational thinking in everyday activities.

Activity

Choose a daily activity and identify: - Decomposition: What are the steps? - Pattern Recognition: What patterns exist? - Abstraction: What are the key details? - Algorithm: What is the sequence?

Examples: - Getting ready for school - Cooking a meal - Doing homework - Playing a game

Reflection

  • How do you already use computational thinking?
  • How can you teach this to students?
  • What activities in your subject use computational thinking?

Assessment Rubric

Component Beginner Developing Proficient Advanced
Decomposition Can identify main parts Can break into sub-parts Can create detailed breakdown Can identify dependencies
Pattern Recognition Recognizes obvious patterns Finds patterns in sequences Identifies patterns in complex data Creates patterns
Abstraction Describes with all details Can simplify descriptions Focuses on essential details Creates useful abstractions
Algorithms Can list steps Creates ordered steps Writes precise instructions Tests and debugs algorithms

Integration with DBE Subjects

Mathematics

  • Problem-solving strategies
  • Logical reasoning
  • Pattern recognition (number patterns, geometric patterns)

Languages

  • Following instructions
  • Clear communication
  • Sequential thinking (story structure)

Natural Sciences

  • Scientific method (decomposition)
  • Observing patterns in nature
  • Abstracting scientific concepts

Life Skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Decision-making
  • Planning and organization

Extension Activities

  1. Create a Computational Thinking Poster
  2. Design a poster explaining the four pillars
  3. Include examples from your subject area

  4. Share with other teachers

  5. Student Activity Design

  6. Create an activity for your students
  7. Focus on one computational thinking concept

  8. Include assessment criteria

  9. Cross-Curricular Project

  10. Design a project that uses computational thinking
  11. Integrate multiple subjects
  12. Plan implementation steps