TECH TIP: Computational Thinking

Computational thinking (CT) at its core is a problem-solving process that can be used by everyone,
in a variety of content areas and everyday contexts. Computational thinking is an approach in which
you break down problems into distinct parts, look for similarities, identify the relevant information and
opportunities for simplification, and create a plan for a solution. This broad problem-solving technique
includes four elements: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and algorithms.

HOW TO USE COMPUTATIONAL THINKING

Decomposition Pattern Recognition

Breaking down problems into smaller sections. Recognizing if there is a pattern and determining
• Breaking down problems into smaller parts can the sequence.
make complicated challenges more manageable. • Examining the problem for patterns, or similarities to
This enables other computational thinking previously solved problems, can simplify the solution.
elements to be applied more effectively to complex Pattern recognition can lead to grouping, organizing,
challenges. The solutions to the smaller problems or streamlining problems for more efficient outcomes.
are then combined to solve the original, larger Conversely, a lack of patterns is also useful because it
problem. means there is no more simplification to be done.

• Real-world Examples: For instance, when you • Real-world Examples: You have likely used pattern
clean your room, you may put together a to-do list. recognition in games like UNO, checkers, mancala and
Identifying the individual tasks (making your bed, SET. Sports like football and basketball also use pattern
hanging up your clothes, etc.) allows you to recognition to identify the opponent’s strategy.
see the smaller steps before you start cleaning.

Abstraction Algorithms

Generalization of a problem — focus on the big picture Step by step instructions to solve a problem.
and what’s important. • When solving a problem, it is important to create a plan
• Taking a step back from the specific details of a for your solution. Algorithms are a strategy that can be
given problem allows you to create a more generic used to determine the step-by-step instructions on how
solution. This requires analyzing the problem to to solve the problem. Algorithms can be written in plain
remove extra detail and highlight the basic parts. language, with flowcharts, or pseudocode.
Once completed, begin brainstorming a solution to
the problem. • Real-world Examples: We use algorithms daily, normally
in the form of step-by-step instructions. Recipes,
• Real-world Examples: Public transportation instructions for making furniture or building blocks
maps are examples of abstraction that you may sets, plays in sports, and online map directions are all
encounter often. The maps show only the important examples of algorithms.
information (the stops, the general direction that
you are heading) and leave out the finer details.

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TECH TIP: Computational Thinking

FACILITATIVE TIPS
There are a variety of ways that students can practice and hone their computational thinking, well before they try
computer programming.

Integrate computational thinking into other subjects to make it concrete and relevant for students. Find the ways
your classroom already practices computational thinking and call it out!

You may naturally find opportunities to explicitly highlight CT elements during activities like:
• Multi-part project assignments (decomposition).
• Recurring sequences, like routines within a school day: circle times, food breaks, small group work, individual
reflections (pattern recognition).
• Document analysis to develop a synopsis or summary (abstraction).
• Daily practices, such as classroom procedures to line up or exit the classroom (algorithms).

Focus on one CT element at a time. Finding opportunities to practice each individual element may be easier than
developing activities with a combination of skills.

When possible, long-term projects give learners a chance to use all four computational elements. The order of the
CT elements will vary depending on the project; however, many projects follow a similar process:
• Break the task into smaller pieces (decomposition)
• Recognize prior knowledge that they can apply to the task (pattern recognition)
• Sift through to find the relevant details (abstraction)
• Create a timeline and plan for execution (algorithms)

Bridge the connections to computer science by using a combination of “plugged” and “unplugged” activities. While
computational thinking is necessary for computer programming, applying these elements doesn’t need to happen
on a computer. This varied approach reinforces student confidence with these skills, better preparing them to write
a computer program in the future.

COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
Real-world Examples:

Decomposition Pattern Recognition Abstraction Algorithm

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TECH TIP: Computational Thinking

FACILITATIVE QUESTIONS

Computational Thinking Element Facilitative Questions

Decomposition • What are the different parts of the problem you are trying to solve?

• Describe the main sections/parts of the problem you are solving.

• How could this problem be divided into smaller parts?

Pattern recognition • Are there any patterns that you observe?

• Do you notice any similarities between this problem and something

• Do any of the parts of this problem share qualities?

• Does anything repeat?

Abstraction • What are you trying to solve?

• Which details are important in solving this problem?

• What can you leave out? What information is unnecessary?

• Can you describe this problem as something more basic?

Algorithms • What’s the first step you can take in solving this problem?

1 • What are the steps that you need to do to solve this problem?

• In what order should you complete those steps?

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 TECH TIP: Computational Thinking

EXAMPLES OF COMPUTATIONAL THINKING

Decomposition Pattern Recognition Algorithms Abstraction

Tangrams are a fun example of Sequencing problems ask students to Students use processes and formulas Solving word problems requires students to
decomposition. Ask students to analyze find similarities between the provided that allow them to learn addition, comb through the information to pull out what’s
a shape and break it down into geometric information and then use that information subtraction, multiplication, and division necessary. (3-5)
parts. (K-5) to determine what comes next. (1-3) with single digit integers and increase
the complexity of the problems over Data analysis involves looking at large sample sets
It helps to break down large number In geometry, identifying symmetry time. (K-5) and teasing out trends. (9-12)
Math problems into smaller, more digestible parts requires pattern recognition. (1-5)
through strategies like factoring. (4-5) PEMDAS and FOIL are two examples
Noticing that you can use the two-variable of generic algorithms that ensure that
strategies when solving an equation problems are solved in the correct
with three variables is also an example of order. (6-8)
pattern recognition. (6-8)

Using logical inference, one can break down a Sorting and classification in biology and The “methods” or “procedure” of a Scientific and mathematical models distill complex
large scientific question into smaller, tractable astronomy rely on pattern recognition. classroom lab experiment is a set of systems into only the pertinent information. (K-12)
Science experiments that, when combined together, (6-12) instructions. (6-12)
yield insight into the larger question. For Scientific laws and theorems are succinct
example, students may infer the ecosystem of Neurons in the brain do pattern statements that describe natural phenomena
a given animal based on its qualities. (K-12) recognition in order to process data. (9-12) developed from a wide body of experiments. (K-12)

When students approach an essay, they likely An understanding of phonics helps us When writing poetry, traditional poetic A book report is meant to be an analysis of ideas
break the essay into the central argument, the pronounce new words correctly. We forms can be defined like algorithms, and themes in literature. A student writing a book
introduction, and the conclusion. They write understand that a letter or group of letters with a sense of meter, rhyme structure, report will tease out the relevant information
ELA the sections separately and then combine creates a certain sound and then apply and the order in which the lines need and omit small details. The report should revolve
them for a full argument. (3-12) that to unusual words. (K-12) to be written. (1-12) around defending their central thesis and not
retell the whole story. (4-8)

Causal inference, interpreting the elements Throughout history, empires across Formalized processes in the legislative A compelling analysis of historical events focuses
that precipitated historical events, is a way continents have followed similar system can be viewed as algorithms. not on the minute details but rather the thematic
of looking at history and breaking down the trajectories: rise, development of a culture, For instance, the process of creating a trends and sociological forces of the period. (6-12)
societal and cultural factors that influenced a period of peace, and then a fall. (6-10) law can be broken down into: Drafting
Social it. (9-12) the bill, debate, voting in Congress, Maps are often examples of abstraction — you
Sciences and attaining presidential approval seek different types of maps depending on the
Our federal government is broken into three through signature. If the president level and category of detail needed. (3-8)
major branches, each of which has different vetoes the bill, then we need a
sets of responsibilities and powers, creating a supermajority of the Senate to vote
system of checks and balances. (4-12). to override the veto. (3-12)

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