Computational Thinking for KS3 Solving problems, logically

Why are we learning? (Purpose & Goals) We are learning how to overcome complex problems How are we learning? (Skills, Techniques, Software, etc.) We will be using a strategy known as Computational thinking What are we learning? (Knowledge) We are learning the four elements of computational thinking: Decomposition Pattern Recognition Abstraction Algorithm

What is Computational Thinking? Decomposition Computational thinking allows us to take a complex problem, understand what the problem is and develop possible solutions. We can then present these solutions in a way that a computer, a human, or both, can understand. There are four key techniques to computational thinking: Pattern Recognition Abstraction Algorithm

How does it work? Watch the following video to find out about computational thinking; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVVB5RQfYxk

Starter: Human Robots Get into pairs. One of you is the programmer who gives instructions, the other is the robot who receives and follows the instructions. Programmers can use the commands provided (on the programmers card). Using these commands, can you guide your robot to a chosen point at the other end of the classroom? Once you are there, swop roles and return to the starting point. Robots: You must follow the instructions given to you exactly… even if they are wrong!

Robbot This is Robbot Robbot enjoys making things in the kitchen… Tell him to make a jam sandwich! We can do this through using Computational Thinking. Decomposition: Thinking of all the things we need and things we need to do to make a jam sandwich. Pattern Recognition: Grouping these things into categories, in this case ingredients, equipment and actions Abstraction: Getting an idea of what our sandwich should look like. Algorithm: Writing instructions for Robbot to follow.

1 & 2. Decomposition and Pattern Recognition: Ingredients, Equipment and Actions Think of as many things as you can that are required to make a jam sandwich. The more things you can think of, the clearer your instructions will be! Ingredients Equipment Actions Bread Plate Repeat x times Left Hand (LH) Right Hand (RH) Pick up Unscrew

3. Abstraction: Modelling your sandwich Draw a picture below of how you want your jam sandwich to look like when its finished! Use Paint or Fireworks software to do this.

4: Algorithm: Writing instructions in how to make the jam sandwich Algorithms are most commonly written as either a Flowchart or as Pseudocode. Flowcharts clearly show the flow and direction of your decisions in a very visual way. Pseudocode shows each step in a clearly ordered, written structure. Either way is fine, it’s up to your own personal preference! Watch the following video for more information: http://www.cambridgegcsecomputing. org/modules_lms/more?id_module=13 2620&id_course=134795&id_course_in quiry=&id_section=4137 Pseudocode Flowchart Start If the statement is true Then go to Action 1 Else go to Action 2 End False True Above is an example of the same instructions written as pseudocode and as a flowchart.

Flowchart 4. Practice Pseudocode Start Could you write the flowchart instructions into pseudocode? Try adding the following key programming words; INPUT OUTPUT IF THEN ELSE START Practice writing your algorithm: Not everyone likes butter in their jam sandwich. Robbot needs a method of making sure he adds or doesn’t add butter depending on your own preference. True False Add the following statements correctly to the flowchart; Do you want butter on your bread? Spread butter on the bread Don’t use butter

4. Algorithm: Writing your instructions Write your instructions for Robbot as pseudocode using the worksheet provided. Convert the instructions into a flowchart within on the next slide using the symbols below; Decision (e.g. “do you want butter?”) Start / End Task (e.g. spread jam) Direction of flow

4. Flowchart Algorithm Create your flowchart algorithm here!

Testing your Algorithm In pairs, take it in turns to play the roles of the programmer and Robbot. If you are the programmer, your job is to read out the instructions. Choose between your pseudocode or your flowchart. Robbot must follow every instruction exactly! Questions: Who has a good working example? Who has a bad example?! Why doesn’t it work? How could you fix it? Oops! In programming, everyone makes mistakes, they are part of the learning process! The important thing is to identify the mistake and work out how to overcome it. As a result, the more mistakes you make, the more you learn!

For this task, you will need to create all the resources For this task, you will need to create all the resources. You can use the ones from the Robbot task if you like. Task Essential: Create an algorithm to explain to Robbot how to cross the road. Stretch: Create an algorithm to explain to Robbot how to play a game of rock paper scissors. Challenge: Create an algorithm to show Robbot how to play a game of noughts and crosses. Remember: Use computational thinking to break down the problem into smaller parts.

Breaking down the task Task Decomposition Pattern recognition Abstraction Algorithm Crossing the Road Vehicles, actions, decisions. Identify the different considerations you can group together to form a pattern of what needs to be done. Act out crossing the road. What do you do. Do you do something differently to someone else? Write your instructions in either pseudocode or as a flowchart. Rock Paper Scissors Actions, choices, timings, winning conditions. Play the game. Think of the actions you perform. Noughts and Crosses Moves that can be made, winning conditions Play against someone. What strategies do you use in order to win?

1. Decomposition Consider all the different features to solve the problem here.

2. Pattern Recognition Group all the different features you considered in decomposition here.

3. Abstraction It could be useful to write down some notes, or draw diagrams to help you clearly understand how to resolve the problem here.

4. Algorithm Write your instructions to solve the problem here.

Testing Get three of your classmates to test out your instructions and identify any problems encountered. Use the table below to record any problems encountered and what improvements you need to make. Test Problems encountered Improvements made 1 2 3 Go back to your instructions and make any required changes. Change the font colour to red for any improved instructions.

Programming: Technical Understanding 1. Match the Keywords: Draw a line from the keyword to the correct definition. Extra bits of information that you can pass into a function to customise it. 2. Why is it important to test your code? Programmer Algorithm A series of instructions on how to accomplish a task. Coding Someone who writes instructions for a computer to follow. Debugging 3. Which form of algorithm writing do you prefer (Pseudocode or Flowchart) and why? A piece of code that can be called over and over. Function Finding and fixing issues in code. Parameter Transforming actions into a symbolic language.