NOVEMBER 18, 2023

UNIVERSITY OF ST.
THOMAS MOZAMBIQUE,
COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computational science
Uses of Computational Thinking

ERICK WASONGA, DANIEL DARSAMO, SCOVIA KAINZA, MARCOS CASTANHEIRA,

LECTURE; SANSAO
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Table of Content
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................................................2
OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH ASSINGMENT...............................................................................3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTATIONAL THIKING............................................................................5
Why we study Computational Thinking (CT) and its relation to Computer Science (CS).......................5
Definition of Computational thinking......................................................................................................5
How is Computational Thinking Used?.......................................................................................................8
1. Use of Computational thinking in Weather Forecasting......................................................................8
2. Computational Thinking in Biotech...................................................................................................11
3. Computational thinking in Natural Disasters.....................................................................................12
4. Computational Thinking in Flight simulation....................................................................................13
5. Computational Thinking in Car crash Modelling...............................................................................14
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................15

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ABSTRACT
The essence of computational thinking is thinking about data and ideas and using and combining
these resources to solve problems. Computational thinking builds on the power and limits of
computing processes, whether they are executed by human or by machine .Computational
methods and models give us the courage to solve problems and design systems that no one could
be able to tackle alone .Computational thinking confronts on the riddle of machine intelligence;
What can humans do better than computers? And what can computers do better than humans?
Most fundamentally it addresses the question what is computable? Computational thinking
involves solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behavior, by drawing
on the fundamental concept of computer science. Computational thinking includes a range of
mental tools that reflect the breadth of computer science. Some of the ways computational
thinking can be applied include weather forecasting, Biotech, flight simulators, car crash etc.
However there are challenges associated with computational thinking such as need adequate
training and the potential bias and errors .Nevertheless, computational thinking has the potential
to revolutionize how we live, work and learn. In this research paper we try to look at the
widespread adoption of computation thinking in various field and how their effectiveness has
benefited the world.

Keywords: Computational Thinking, Computer Science, abstraction, decomposition, pattern

recognition

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OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH ASSINGMENT
1. Define Computational Thinking; this research paper aims at explaining the
definition of computational science and it’s relational to computer science.
2. Advancing Research Proficiency: This research project aims to enhance our
proficiency in academic research methodologies specific to mobile and pervasive
network technologies. We will proficiently locate and analyze relevant sources,
critically evaluate information, and adhere to appropriate citation standards to ensure
the integrity of our research.
3. Show how computational thinking can be used in different fields; we look at
different areas in which computational science can be applied in our daily live in
fields such as biotech, and weather forecasting.
4. Evaluate the role of computational thinking in improving efficiency and
productivity.
5. Propose new ways to apply computational thinking in other domains or
industries.

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
In order to realize this study, a group of five students was formed with each student having to
pick a topic on uses of computational thinking. First we began by reviewing existing literature on
computational thinking and identifying key components and definitions. Each student had to do a
research on different fields on computational thinking using literature review techniques, read
articles and book. We then analyzed each of our findings on computational thinking on different
fields assigned to each student and recorded the findings of each one. Building upon the analysis
and synthesis of research findings, a structured presentation format was devised.

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTATIONAL THIKING.
Why we study Computational Thinking (CT) and its relation to Computer Science (CS)
Computers are everywhere in the modern world. They help run almost every aspect of our lives
and our society. Some of the ways they help us are obvious .We control our finances using
computers. We use them to handle our social interaction, get the latest trends and news, and
arrange travel. They have enabled new models of political participation, and it is impossible to
conceive of modern life without computers.

Computers are our tools. They should enable us, inspire us and be a beneficial force to our daily
lives. To help ensure this, it is important we understand how they work and what they are
capable of doing. To this end Computational thinking distills important lessons and principles
from computer science, the subject area that teaches us how to bend those machines to our will.
These lessons and principles include how they pick out the essential details of a problem, how
they formulate a problem in ways a computer can understand, and how to follow a problem
solving process in ways that the process can be automated.

Definition of Computational thinking

Computational thinking involves solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human
behavior by drawing on the concepts fundamental to computer science. Computational thinking
is using abstraction and decomposition when attacking a large complex task or designing large
complex systems. It is choosing an appropriate representation for a problem or modelling the
relevant aspects of a problem to make it tractable. It is using invariants to describe a systems
behavior succinctly declaratively. It is having the confidence we can safely use, modify, and
influence large complex system without understanding its very detail.it is modularizing
something in anticipation of multiple users or prefetching and caching in anticipation of future
use...

Computational thinking is thinking in terms of prevention, protection and recovery from worst
case scenarios through redundancy, damage and error correction. Computational thinking is
using heuristic reasoning to discover a solution. It is planning, learning and scheduling g in the
presence of uncertainty. Computational thinking is using massive amounts of data to speed up

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computation, it is making tradeoffs between time and space and between processing power and
storage capacity.

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Overall computation thinking helps us to understand and solve problems in a systematic and
logical way through a process adapted from computer science. CT allows us to develop skills and
techniques that help in solving problems effectively, with or without the aid of a computer. CT is
not ‘thinking like a computer’-computers are not capable of thought .Rather, it is learning to
think in ways which allows us ,as humans ,to solve problems more effectively and when
appropriate use computers to help us do so.

The core concepts of Computational Thinking include;

 Logical thinking
 Decomposition
 Algorithm thinking
 Modelling
 Abstraction
 Data representation
 Critical thinking
 Automation
 Simulation
 Computer science
 Pattern recognition
 Evaluation
 Data analysis

Abstraction is a process of removing unnecessary detail, simplifying things or identifying what is

important.Decompostion concept is a process of breaking a problem or system down into parts. It
sometimes involves breaking those parts down further. Decomposition helps us solve complex
problems and manage projects. Pattern Recognition process spots similarities and common
differences. By identifying patterns we can make predictions, create rules and solve more general
problems. It is also a way of quickly solving new problems based on previous problems we have
solved. This is also called generalization. Algorithm is simply steps and rules used in solving a
problem. In other words, it is a sequence of instructions, or set of rules for performing a task.

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Logical reasoning is to help us make sense of things during analysis and predicting. It helps us
establish and check facts. Evaluation is concerned with making judgements .Data representation
is depicting and organizing data in appropriate graphs, charts, words or images. Data analysis is
making sense of data by finding patterns, developing insights or highlighting information that is
meaningful and relevant.

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How is Computational Thinking Used?
Computational Thinking (CT) can be applied by anyone who is attempting to solve a problem
and have a computer to play a role in the solution.

In this research paper we look at how computational thinking is applied in weather forecasting,
car crash modelling, natural disaster, Biotech, and flight simulator. While looking at each use
case we will relate them with the core concepts of computational thinking and exploring deep
into each use case.

1. Use of Computational thinking in Weather Forecasting

Modern computational models and forecasting software have improved our ability to make
weather predictions thanks to Mathematics, science and computing. Weather is an ideal platform
to merge mathematics and computational thinking within real-world science activities. We can
now actively employ computational thinking skills, science and mathematics for our
understanding as we collect, and analyze data, run and refine and make and evaluate predictions
similar to those of a professional meteorologist.

In general, the process involves collecting and analyzing data from variety of sources, including
weather stations, weather satellites, and computer models. The data is processed using
algorithms to create weather forecasts. These forecasts are then communicated to the public
through a variety of media, including television, radio, and the internet .Computational thinking
helps Improve the accuracy of weather forecasting by taking into account a variety of factors,
such as wind speed, humidity, and atm1ospheric pressure. It also helps to create a more detailed
and localized forecast.

In this research we took a case study of students who applied computational thinking skills and
mathematics in predicting weather forecasting.

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2. Computational Thinking in Biotech
There are many ways that computational thinking is applied in biotechnology. One key area is in
bioinformatics, which involves using computers to analyze, interpreted biological data .For
example computational thinking can be used to create databases of genetic sequence and analyze
these sequence of patterns. It can also be used to create models of biological processes, such as
protein folding .In addition computational thinking can be used to develop new drug discovery
and to predict the effects of drugs on human body. Additionally computational thinking is
applied in biotechnology in the area of genome sequencing .Genome sequencing involves
reading the genetic code of an organism and creating a map to its DNA .This is a complex
process as it involves analyzing massive amounts of data. Computational thinking is essential in
genome as it helps to organize and analyze the data. For example computational thinking is used
to create algorithms that can find patterns in genes and to understand the function of these genes.

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3. Computational thinking in Natural Disasters
Computational thinking is also applied in natural disaster for the four phases of a disaster which
is Prevention, Preparedness, response and recovery. Computing for Disaster addresses all four
phases of disaster by festering a system approach to enabling timely and effective decision
making. One example is in the area of flood forecasting .Floods are often caused by heavy rain
or by the overflow of rivers. Computational thinking can be used to create models that predict
where and when the flooding will occur .These models take into account data on rainfall, river
levels, and topography. This information can be used to create flood warnings and plan
evacuations. Computational thinking can also be used to improve disaster response .For example,
after a natural disaster computational thinking can also be used to map the damage and to
identify areas that need the most assistance.

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4. Computational Thinking in Flight simulation
A flight simulator is a device that artificially re-creates aircrafts flight and environment in which
it flies, for pilot training, design or other purposes. They use a combination of computer
graphics, data about aircraft, performance, and physics to stimulate flying .This allows pilots to
practice in safe environments and to learn from mistakes .Computational thinking is used to
create computer models that power the flight simulators. The models must be accurate and
responsive in order to provide a realistic experience.

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5. Computational Thinking in Car crash Modelling
Computational thinking is a powerful tool that can be applied in a wide range of field’s
transportation being one of them. Computational thinking is used in transportation to improve
safety and efficiency ,in this paper we will focus on car crashing modeling algorithms are used to
stimulate a car crash and to determine the forces involved .The crash can be simulated using
combination of psychics engine and computer graphics. These simulations can be used to test
different safety features, such as airbags and seatbelts.

They can also be used to design safer car bodies and to test the effectiveness of different safety
measures .Overall this technology helps to make cars safer and to save lives.

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Conclusion
In conclusion, computational thinking stands as a cornerstone in modern cognitive toolkit, offering a
systematic and problem solving mindset crucial for navigating the complexities of our technology-driven
world .Its principles extend beyond programming, permeating diverse disciplines and forester Inga
culture of analytical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. As we continue to advance into an increasingly
digital future, the integration of computational thinking not only propels innovation in technology but
also equips individuals with skills needed to unravel challenges, make informed decisions, and thrive in a
dynamic and interconnected landscape.

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