In this lab, we will practice Computational Thinking by breaking down everyday activities into specific steps.
Computational thinking (CT) is a problem solving process that includes a number of characteristics and dispositions. CT is essential to the development of computer applications, but it can also be used to support problem solving across all disciplines, including the humanities, math, and science. Students who learn CT across the curriculum can begin to see a relationship between academic subjects, as well as between life inside and outside of the classroom.
Computational Thinking is what allows you to "Think in Code".
In these exercises, we will be decomposing activities into a simple language called pseudo-english.
For each exercise, explain in three different level of details, Low, Medium, High.
For example
This is how to describe "How to drive a car out of a garage" in a series of steps:
High Level
#1 > Drive the car out of the garage
Medium Level
#1 > Find my car
#2 > Get in the car
#3 > Turn the car on
#4 > Drive the car away
Low Level
#1 > For every car in the garage
#2 > If car is my car, go to #4
#3 > Can't find my car. Panic!😱
#4 > Walk to the car
#5 > If the car is unlocked, go to #7
#6 > Unlock the car
#7 > Open the Door
#8 > Sit in the driver's seat
#9 > Close the Door
#10 > If Tesla, smile, go to #13
#11 > Put the key in the ignition
#12 > Turn the key
#13 > Buckle up
#14 > If today is Friday, Honk two times.
(etc)
...
Note: Use your judgement to determine how "Low" you want to go.
Explain the steps involved in the following
- How do you type your name?
[High, Medium, Low] - How do you turn on and unlock your iPhone
[High, Medium, Low] - How do you make Coffee (or a cup of tea)
[High, Medium, Low]
- How do you get to the Airport
[High, Medium] - How do you get to Class
[High, Medium, Low]
- How do you get dressed
[Medium] - How do you buy groceries
[High, Medium, Low] - How do you make a sandwich?
[High, Medium, Low] - How do you exercise
[High, Medium]
- How do you decide what shoes to buy
[High, Medium] - How do you decide what movie to watch
[High, Medium, Low] - How do you decide what to eat
[High, Medium] - How do you decide what to wear
[High, Medium, Low]
Write in a plaintext (.txt) file - it should look like the example above.
- How do you add two numbers
[High, Medium, Low] - How do you determine if a number is Prime
[Medium, Low] - How do you compute Fibonacci until 14
[Medium, Low]