The Introduction to Computational Thinking (CT) Activity Sequence introduces learners to the core ideas of CT – Pattern Recognition, Abstraction, Decomposition, and Algorithmic Thinking (“PRADA”). The Activity Map below outlines a potential Sequence, pulling activities from the Foundational and Wrap-Up XXXs.
Foundational
Activity | Time | Description | Materials/Tech | Group Size |
Jigsaw Puzzles: An Introduction to CT | ~ 45 minutes | Using the assembly of a jigsaw puzzle as an example, introduce and explore CT as a problem-solving process that can be applied to many different tasks in school and in learners’ daily lives. | Special | Teams or Class |
Just Talk: An Introduction to CT | ~ 25 minutes | Introduce and explore CT as a problem-solving process that can be applied to many different tasks in school and in learners’ daily lives. | Basic | Teams or Class |
Wrap-Up
Assemble Your Own CT Posters | ~ 10 minutes | Over time and across other activities, learners assemble examples of CT practices and record them on posters showing the four (or five, if include debugging) main facets of CT. | Basic | Teams or Class |