Tackling a project using computational thinking
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use computational thinking to understand the needs of a project and design an algorithm to solve a problem.
Key learning points
- Computational thinking can be used to analyse problems and find efficient and effective solutions.
- Understanding a problem well is key to making sure your solution actually works and works efficiently.
- The designer of an algorithm can choose whichever method they feel is most suited to the problem.
Keywords
Analyse - to take something apart, look closely at its pieces, and then put the information back together in a way that makes sense
Design - to plan or create something
Common misconception
Computational thinking means writing code for everything.
While coding is a way to implement solutions, computational thinking can be applied to problems that don't require coding at all and should be seen as a set of processes that help people solve problems.
Teacher tip
Encourage learners to consider problems from different perspectives in the early stages of a project. This will help them spot potential problems that might need to be solved before they start to program any code.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term with its definition:
Q2.What is the main goal of computational thinking?
Q3.What is a diagram that uses symbols to visually represent the logic and flow of an algorithm?
Q4.P is a way to outline an algorithm using plain language that can be understood without programming knowledge?
Q5.What can happen if poor-quality data is used in an algorithm?
Q6.Why is it important to understand algorithmic bias?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term with its definition:
Q2.What is computational thinking primarily used for?
Q3.Match the term with its purpose:
Q4.What is the designer of an algorithm responsible for?
Q5.What is decomposition used for?
Q6.Does computational thinking always require writing code?
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Tackling a project using computational thinking, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Tackling a project using computational thinking, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 computer science lessons from the Algorithms unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.