gamedesign

Gold Code.org

21. Computational Thinking

Introduction

Learning to code is not just for geeks! Coding is a way for you to design, create, and express yourself while solving problems, creating games, and having fun. There are many opportunities in the field of computer science that students can consider when looking at careers. Website design, app creation, business management, and many other fields have jobs that require some understanding of computer code. So what are you waiting for? Let’s have some fun and crack the code!


I Can Statement

  • practice basic coding skills using the resources provided

Key Vocabulary

Computer program: A computer program is a sequence of instructions, written in computer code, that performs a specific task on a computer

Code: Code is the language of computer programming. There are a number of kinds of computer languages or codes. 

Coding: Coding is the process of creating a set of instructions that tell a computer how to perform a task. Programming can be done using a variety of computer languages, such as SQL, Java, Python, and C++.

Block-Based Coding: Block-Based Coding is the de facto way to teach kids introductory programming in the United States. Block based coding involves dragging blocks of instructions.

Play the Vocabulary Game below to practice the Key Vocabulary


You can change the Quiz mode to Match, Test, Learn, Flash Cards, Spell using the selection list at the bottom right of the activity that says "Choose a Study Mode." Direct Link

Steps

1. Go to the Code.org site. 

2. Check with your teacher about whether or not you are going to sign up for an account. On the page are one-hour modules for the Hour of Code. Follow your teacher's directions for which module or modules you are going to work on.

3. Notify your teacher when you complete your task by taking a screenshot of your finished product.

4. Upload or post it as your teacher directs. If you finish early, your teacher may allow you to try another one of the modules from the Hour of Code.

Want to learn more? There are many full-length beginner courses at this site that you will need to sign up for that you can work on to increase your knowledge of coding!

An additional resource with links to Coding resources for students is the kids-coding blog.


Completing this Quest

Upload or post your screenshot as directed by your teacher.


Check off this Quest on the 21t4s roadmap 

I am ready to move on to Gold Quest Sphero

MITECS Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students, and

ISTE Standards for Students

4. Innovative Designer
a. Know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems
d. Exhibit a tolerance for ambiguity, perseverance and the capacity to work with open-ended problems

5. Computational Thinker
c. Break problems into component parts, extract key information, and develop descriptive models to understand complex systems or facilitate problem-solving
d. Understands how automation works and use algorithmic thinking to develop a sequence of steps to create and test automated solutions

Websites

Videos from Outside Sources

21t4s Quizzes