Computational thinking
Developing computational thinking skills through decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and algorithm design to solve problems.
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Programming 2: Computational thinking
Please note
Scratch is a project of the Scratch Foundation, in collaboration with the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. It is available for free at https://scratch.mit.edu.
Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Understand that problems can be solved more easily using computational thinking.
- Recognise decomposition, abstraction, algorithm design and pattern recognition as key computational thinking skills.
- Explain how decomposition and abstraction simplify problem-solving.
- Identify patterns in problems and use them to solve problems.
- Design clear algorithms and justify their choices.
- Create logical sequences of steps to complete a task or project.
- Use computational thinking skills to code, refine and evaluate their work.
Suggested prior learning
Programming 1: Algorithms and debugging
Get startedLessons
Lesson 1: Decomposition and pattern recognition
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To apply decomposition and pattern recognition to solve problems.
Lesson 2: Abstraction
Lesson 3: Algorithm design
Lesson 4: Computational thinking in action
Lesson 5: Evaluating computational thinking
Key skills
Key knowledge
Equipment list
Equipment needed across all lessons in this unit.
This list does not include equipment which is usually readily available in the classroom (e.g pencils, A4 paper etc)
Full equipment list for the subject
Quantities marked × will update. Items without quantities are unaffected
- Scratch (website) ×1
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A small model made from building blocks.
- Building blocks ×1
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A selection of classroom items.
- A3 paper ×30
- Devices with internet access ×15
- Colouring pencils ×30
- Online timer ×8
Equipment list
Quantities marked × will update. Items without quantities are unaffected
- Scratch (website) ×1
-
A small model made from building blocks.
- Building blocks ×1
-
A selection of classroom items.
- A3 paper ×30
- Devices with internet access ×15
- Colouring pencils ×30
- Online timer ×8
Related content
Unit resources
Knowledge organiser – Computing Y4: *New* Computational thinking
Aimed at pupils, two pages providing key facts and definitions from the unit ‘Computational thinking’.
Vocabulary display – Computing Y4: *New* Computational thinking
A display version of the vocabulary from the unit 'Computational thinking'.
Cross-curricular opportunities
English: Spoken Language.
Design and technology: Design.