New
New
Computational thinking
I can use computational thinking techniques to help solve problems.
Lesson 1 of 8
New
New
- Year 10
- AQA
Computational thinking
I can use computational thinking techniques to help solve problems.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Computational thinking is a systematic approach to solving problems.
- Decomposition is used to break down a large problem into smaller subproblems.
- Abstraction is used to focus on the important details of a problem.
- Algorithmic thinking is used to create a series of logical, step-by-step instructions to solve a problem.
Keywords
Computational thinking - a structured approach to solving problems
Abstraction - to focus on the important parts of a problem and ignore irrelevant details
Decomposition - breaking down a problem into smaller parts to make the task more manageable
Algorithmic thinking - to consider the solution to a problem as a series of logical, step-by-step instructions
Common misconception
Computational thinking techniques are only related to solving problems with computers.
The underlying principles of computational thinking can be applied in various aspects of life, even without any digital technology. Â
Encourage learners to think about everyday scenarios where they may already be using computational thinking techniques.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is another name for step-by-step instructions?
What is another name for step-by-step instructions?
Q2.What is important when planning a project?
What is important when planning a project?
leaving it unplanned
ignoring feedback/users' opinions
rushing through it
Q3.When following a recipe to bake a cake, what are you doing?
When following a recipe to bake a cake, what are you doing?
guessing the ingredients
mixing everything at once
writing instructions
Q4.When you plan a route to walk to a friend's house, what are you doing?
When you plan a route to walk to a friend's house, what are you doing?
wandering aimlessly
walking in circles
guessing the way
Q5.Order these steps to go shopping.
Order these steps to go shopping.
Q6.What are you doing when you follow a routine?
What are you doing when you follow a routine?
skipping steps
doing things in any order
changing the sequence every day
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is computational thinking?
What is computational thinking?
a game played on computers
a type of computer software
a way to memorise facts
Q2.Order these steps to prepare a meal.
Order these steps to prepare a meal.
Q3.What does decomposition help you do?
What does decomposition help you do?
It helps you to make a problem bigger.
It helps you to ignore the problem.
It helps you to solve the problem instantly.
Q4.What is the process of focusing on important details of a problem called?
What is the process of focusing on important details of a problem called?
Q5.What do you call the process of creating a series of logical steps to solve a problem?
What do you call the process of creating a series of logical steps to solve a problem?
Q6.Can computational thinking be applied without computers?
Can computational thinking be applied without computers?
No, it is only for computers.
only in specific situations
only with advanced technology
