Have you ever wondered how to solve a tricky problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts? That’s what computational thinking is all about! In this lesson, you’ll learn how to take a complex task and make it simpler by using some clever strategies. Let’s dive into the world of computational thinking and have some fun with monsters!
The goal of this lesson is to create a set of instructions that someone else can follow to draw a monster. You’ll work with your friends in groups to write these instructions. Once you’re done, you’ll swap your instructions with another group. They’ll try to draw the monster based on what you’ve written, and you’ll do the same with their instructions.
To tackle this challenge, you’ll use four important steps of computational thinking: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms. Let’s explore each step:
Decomposition means breaking down the task into smaller parts. Think of it like creating a game plan. What are the different parts of the monster you need to describe? Maybe the head, body, arms, and legs?
Next, you’ll look for patterns among all the monsters. Do they have similar features? Maybe some monsters have big eyes, while others have small ones. Spotting these patterns will help you understand what makes each monster unique.
Abstraction is all about simplifying things. Once you’ve noticed the differences between monsters, you can focus on the important details. For example, if one monster has triangle-shaped eyes and another has round eyes, you can just say the monster has eyes. This makes your instructions easier to follow.
Finally, you’ll write a set of instructions called an algorithm. This is like a recipe that lists all the parts of the monster with placeholders for specific styles. For example, you might say, “The monster has [shape] eyes.” This way, anyone can use your instructions to draw their own version of the monster.
Once your group has written the instructions, you’ll share them with another group. They’ll use your algorithm to draw the monster, and you’ll do the same with theirs. It’s a fun way to see how well your instructions work and to learn from each other!
By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a better understanding of how to break down complex problems and create clear instructions. Plus, you’ll get to see some cool monster drawings! Happy monster-making!
Work in pairs to create a unique monster drawing. Use the four steps of computational thinking: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms. Break down the monster into parts, identify patterns, simplify details, and write clear instructions for your partner to follow. Swap roles and see how accurately you can recreate each other’s monsters!
Explore a collection of monster images and identify common patterns. Discuss with your classmates what features are repeated across different monsters. Create a list of these patterns and use them to design a new monster that incorporates some of the common features you’ve discovered.
In groups, take turns breaking down a complex task into smaller parts. Start with a simple task like making a sandwich, and then move on to more complex tasks like planning a party. Each group member adds a step until the task is fully decomposed. Discuss how this approach helps in understanding and solving problems.
Create a step-by-step algorithm for a daily routine, such as getting ready for school. Write down each step clearly and in order. Swap your algorithm with a classmate and follow theirs exactly as written. Discuss any challenges you faced and how precise instructions can improve understanding.
Choose a complex image or scene and practice abstraction by simplifying it into basic shapes and colors. Create a new artwork using these simplified elements. Share your artwork with the class and explain how abstraction helped you focus on the most important details.
The lesson on computational thinking is designed to teach you how to take a complex problem and break it down into simpler components. The objective of this lesson is to create a set of instructions that someone can follow to draw one of the monsters included in the lesson plan.
Students will work in groups to write these instructions and then exchange them with another group that will attempt to draw the monster based on the provided guidelines. The groups will utilize the four steps of computational thinking: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms.
First, groups will decompose the task, which means creating a game plan. Next, they will look for patterns among all the monsters in the catalog. When they identify differences between the monsters, they will abstract or simplify those details. For example, one monster in the catalog may have unique eyes, while another has a different style. However, since both have eyes, the instruction can simply state that the monster has blank eyes.
As a result, students will be able to write a set of instructions, known as an algorithm, that lists the monster’s parts with placeholders for the specific styles. This set of instructions will then be shared with other students, allowing them to recreate their own version of the monster.
Computational Thinking – Computational thinking is a way of solving problems using computer science ideas. – When we use computational thinking, we can break down a big problem into smaller parts to solve it more easily.
Decomposition – Decomposition is the process of breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable parts. – By using decomposition, we can solve a difficult coding challenge by tackling each smaller piece one at a time.
Pattern Recognition – Pattern recognition is identifying similarities or patterns in data or problems. – In coding, pattern recognition helps us find repeated sequences in our code to make it more efficient.
Abstraction – Abstraction is the process of removing unnecessary details to focus on the main idea. – When programming, abstraction allows us to simplify our code by focusing on the important parts.
Algorithms – Algorithms are step-by-step instructions for solving a problem or completing a task. – We wrote an algorithm to help the robot navigate through the maze successfully.
Instructions – Instructions are specific steps or commands given to a computer to perform a task. – The computer followed the instructions in the code to display the correct image on the screen.
Monsters – In coding games, monsters are often obstacles or challenges that players must overcome using code. – We used loops and conditionals to defeat the monsters in our coding game.
Groups – Groups refer to collections of similar items or data that are organized together. – We organized the data into groups to make it easier to analyze and understand.
Details – Details are the specific pieces of information that make up a larger concept or problem. – Paying attention to details in our code helped us find and fix the bug quickly.
Problems – Problems are challenges or tasks that need to be solved using coding or computational thinking. – We used our coding skills to solve the problems presented in the computer science project.
