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CT Group Assignments

The document outlines a group assignment for HCS402 Computational Thinking, consisting of various tasks such as creating algorithms, designing flowcharts, and analyzing data. Each task focuses on key areas like decomposition, algorithm design, and pattern recognition, aiming to enhance students' computational thinking skills. Additionally, it provides tips for effective group work, emphasizing collaboration, the use of tools, reflection, and interactive activities.

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9 views3 pages

CT Group Assignments

The document outlines a group assignment for HCS402 Computational Thinking, consisting of various tasks such as creating algorithms, designing flowcharts, and analyzing data. Each task focuses on key areas like decomposition, algorithm design, and pattern recognition, aiming to enhance students' computational thinking skills. Additionally, it provides tips for effective group work, emphasizing collaboration, the use of tools, reflection, and interactive activities.

Uploaded by

ishmael
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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HCS402 Computational Thinking - Group Assignment

26/02/2025

1. Create an Algorithm for a Daily Routine

Task: Collaborate to design a step-by-step algorithm for a typical daily task, such as making
a cup of tea, organizing a desk, or preparing for a presentation.

 Focus Areas: Decomposition, algorithm design, abstraction.


 Outcome: Break down the task into manageable steps, identify patterns (e.g., how the
tea-making process follows a logical sequence), and abstract unnecessary details (e.g.,
not focusing on the type of cup, but on the general process).

2. Design a Sorting Algorithm

Task: Design a sorting algorithm for a list of items (it could be numbers, words, or a set of
objects).

 Focus Areas: Algorithm design, pattern recognition.


 Outcome: Compare algorithms like bubble sort, selection sort, or quicksort and
discuss their efficiency. This can lead to discussions about optimization and trade-offs
between different algorithms.

3. Pattern Recognition in Nature or Art

Task: Examine natural phenomena (e.g., plant growth, animal patterns, or weather patterns)
or works of art (e.g., patterns in colors, shapes, or compositions) and find patterns that can be
used for a project.

 Focus Areas: Pattern recognition, abstraction.


 Outcome: Discuss how to abstract the patterns found in nature or art into a
generalizable concept and how computational thinking can help in replicating or
predicting these patterns.

4. Design a Flowchart for Decision Making

Task: Design a flowchart that helps a user make a decision based on specific inputs. For
example, a flowchart to decide what to wear based on the weather or a flowchart for choosing
the right study method based on time available.

 Focus Areas: Algorithm design, abstraction, pattern recognition.


 Outcome: Practice algorithm design and how to simplify complex decision-making
into an understandable flow.

5. Analyze and Optimize a Recipe (Optimization Challenge)

Task: Create a recipe for a dish, then optimize it for time, cost, or number of ingredients
(e.g., reduce the number of steps, improve efficiency, or make it more budget-friendly).
 Focus Areas: Decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, optimization.
 Outcome: Abstract unnecessary details (such as ingredient types) while focusing on
the key steps and optimizing processes.

6. Design a Smart City

Task: Design a basic "smart city," which incorporates technologies to improve urban life.
Think about traffic systems, waste management, energy use, and communication.

 Focus Areas: Decomposition, abstraction, algorithm design, optimization.


 Outcome: Break down the city's needs into smaller systems, design algorithms for
each component, and think about how data flows through the city in an efficient
manner.

7. Create a Digital Personal Assistant

Collaboratively design a digital personal assistant (like Siri or Google Assistant) with basic
functions, such as setting reminders or providing weather updates.

 Focus Areas: Decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, algorithm design.


 Outcome: Break the assistant's tasks into manageable components, design algorithms
for how the assistant should respond, and discuss how it could recognize and process
patterns in user input.

8. Data Analysis Project

Task: Provide a set of data (e.g., student grades, sales data, or survey results) and ask
collaborate to identify trends or patterns in the data. You should create a report or
presentation of your findings and possibly suggest solutions.

 Focus Areas: Pattern recognition, abstraction, algorithm design.


 Outcome: Practice pattern recognition in data sets and how to abstract the most
important insights, possibly using tools like Excel or programming languages like
Python.

9. Design a Simple Chatbot

Task: Work together to design a simple chatbot using a programming language or visual
programming tools like Scratch or Python. The chatbot should have the ability to answer
basic questions or engage in simple dialogue.

 Focus Areas: Decomposition, abstraction, algorithm design.


 Outcome: Design the logical flow of conversation, decompose it into responses and
triggers, and abstract unnecessary details (e.g., natural-sounding speech patterns).
Tips for Group Work

 Encourage Collaboration: Computational thinking tasks often require diverse ideas


and input. Encourage students to share their thoughts freely and work together toward
solutions.
 Use Tools: Provide tools (like whiteboards, flowcharting software, or simple coding
platforms) to help students visualize their ideas and algorithms.
 Promote Reflection: After completing the tasks, ask students to reflect on the
process: What worked well? What were the challenges? How did computational
thinking help?
 Keep it Interactive: Make tasks dynamic by including hands-on activities like
building physical models, using visual coding tools, or simulating real-world
scenarios.

These tasks not only develop computational thinking but also improve teamwork,
communication, and creative problem-solving skills.

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