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21_ComputationalThinking

Unit 2 focuses on Computational Thinking, Algorithms, and Programming, emphasizing the importance of Decomposition, Abstraction, and Algorithmic Thinking in problem-solving. Decomposition breaks complex problems into manageable sub-problems, while Abstraction filters out unnecessary details to focus on essential elements. Algorithmic Thinking involves creating clear instructions to consistently solve problems, exemplified by the process of calculating the mean of a set of numbers.

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4 views5 pages

21_ComputationalThinking

Unit 2 focuses on Computational Thinking, Algorithms, and Programming, emphasizing the importance of Decomposition, Abstraction, and Algorithmic Thinking in problem-solving. Decomposition breaks complex problems into manageable sub-problems, while Abstraction filters out unnecessary details to focus on essential elements. Algorithmic Thinking involves creating clear instructions to consistently solve problems, exemplified by the process of calculating the mean of a set of numbers.

Uploaded by

suhail khan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Unit 2: Computational Thinking, Algorithms & Programming

2.1 - Algorithms
Thinking
Computational
Unit 2: Computational Thinking, Algorithms & Programming
Tuesday 3 June 2025
Computational Thinking

Learning Objective: To be able to demonstrate an


understanding of the thought processes involved in
understanding problems and formulating solutions that
computers can process.

Success Criteria:
1. I can define the terms Decomposition, Abstraction
and Algorithmic Thinking.
2. I can explain how each of these are used to help
understand and process computing problems.
Decomposition
Unit 2: Computational Thinking, Algorithms & Programming

Decomposition reduces a problem into sub-problems or


components. These smaller parts are easier to understand and solve.
Problem Definition: Breaking a
Create a ‘snakes and ladders’ computer game complex problem down
into smaller problems and
solving each one
Sub-problems individually.

As you can see in


Design of playing area this example, the
main problem has
Example:

Positions of snakes and ladders been decomposed


into smaller sub-
Dice throw for each player problems making it
easier to
understand.
Movement of each player on the board

Just like how you


Movement up ladders and down snakes
used decomposition
to break down your
How does a player finish? NEA task.
Unit 2: Computational Thinking, Algorithms & Programming Definition: the process of removing

Abstraction
unnecessary details so that only the
main, important points remain.

Abstraction identifies essential Example:


elements that must be included in
the computer models of real-life
situations and discards inessential
ones.
When driving a car, there are some essential
For a computer model of ‘Snakes elements that you need to know:
and Ladders’, the sub-problem • How to turn on the engine
• How to use the brakes
‘Dice throw for each player’ • How to use the gears
includes the essential element There are some inessential elements that you
‘Generate a random number could afford to ignore:
• The number of miles per gallon
between 1 and 6’. • The dimensions of the wheels
• How each component under the bonnet
works
Inessential elements would
These inessential things are useful to know,
include whether you use a shaker, but not essential to actually driving the car =
how long you shake it for and Abstraction.
Unit 2: Computational Thinking, Algorithms & Programming

Algorithmic Thinking
Algorithmic thinking is a subset of computational thinking that
involves defining a clear set of instructions to solve a problem.

Once a successful solution to a problem has been found, it can


be used repeatedly for the same problem.

For example, the process of calculating the mean of a set of


numbers is always the same irrespective of how many
numbers and what they are – add up all the numbers and
divide the total by the number in the set.

Definition: a logical way of getting from the problem to the solution. A set
of instructions for solving a problem.

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