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Debrief computational thinking:
Computational thinking does NOT equal computer science.
Computational thinking does NOT equal coding.
Computational thinking is a series of problem-solving skills.
Computational thinking has 4 major components: Decomposition, Pattern Recognition, Abstraction, & Algorithm
Computational thinking is not limited to STEM.
Computational thinking is everywhere in everyday life.
The flowchart is helpful for us to visualize the thinking process and to share our ideas with others. If we are really going to program it, drawing a flowchart is like writing a draft for your code.
Pseudocode:
Pseudocode is an informal “text-based” description of computer code or algorithm. Like the Flowchart, it is another tool to support and express your computational thinking and programming process.
A small quiz on the CS50 Computational thinking and Scratch video you are supposed to have watched. Match the 4 screenshots the 4 terms below:
A. Function
B. Loop
C. Boolean expression
D. Conditions
Block-based Programming: Scratch
Block-based programming was introduced to help K-12 students learn coding. Instead of learning the traditional text-based coding languages, students just need to drag and drop blocks of codes and combine them together to create programs. The most popular block-based programming website is Scratch. It was developed in 2003 by the MIT Media Lab and designed especially for ages 8 to 16. For younger kids, there is Scratch.Jr, which can be used on iPads.
You are also encouraged to explore Code.org, Microbit, Ozoblockly, and many other similar tools. The computational thinking skills you have learned through Scratch can be easily translated to other similar platforms.
Join our Scratch studio: EDIT2000_Yang (Class A)
First, If you haven't done so, create a Scratch account.
Search for EDIT2000_Yang (Class A), click on it and follow it.
You will share your individual scratch remix and group projects in this studio. This is the most convenient way for you to collaborate with your classmates.
Sign up for the Computational Thinking group project:
For the group project, you will work with one two other students to create a Scratch project integrating K-12 curriculum. More details and rubrics will be provided later. For now, find your groups first.
Homework: (Due on Friday, Feb 21st)
Option 1: If you are totally new to Scratch, rewatch the CS50 Computational thinking and Scratch video (starting from 32:00) and follow the instructions to recreate the Scratch coding.
Option 2: If you already know the basics but not quite comfortable using it, try remixing one of the starter projects.
Option 3: If you are an advanced Scratch user, explore some of the more complex projects and remix one of them.
Important Note: Choose one of the options as your assignment, depending on your familiarity with Scratch. Whichever option you choose, this will be a graded assignment, worth 2 points. When you finish this individual remix practice, share your project to our studio EDIT2000_Yang (Class A). When you are sharing it, remember to Indicate your name in the title, and make notes about the changes your have made (see screenshot below).
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