Think Like a Computer

Step-by-step, following directions, is how many computer work. People know how to create those directions to make things and solve problems. Explore how to think like – and better than – a computer with the following activities about computational thinking.

CONNECT:

• Learn about the 4 key techniques to computational thinking at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUXo-S7gzds&t=76s
• Here’s how Google uses computational thinking to solve problems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVVB5RQfYxk
• Use cooking to teach algorithms and computational thinking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnS7lwXENts

CREATE:

• Build your brain with these free games: http://www.exquisite-minds.com/best-thinking-games-online/
• Use computational thinking to break these CIA codes: https://www.cia.gov/kids-page/games/break-the-code
• You too can code – with Scratch Jr. See how at https://unlcms.unl.edu/ianr/extension/4-h-youth-development/designlab21/computational-thinking-young-children

CARE:

• Make your own puzzles to keep your sick friends or relatives engaged: http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/
• Make chores fun with computational thinking at https://www.stem.family/activities/computational-thinking-activities/
• Use computational thinking (sorting algorithms) to sort laundry: https://classic.csunplugged.org/sorting-algorithms/

CAREERS:

Computational thinking is a logical step for a great career: from statistician to managing, from emergency planner to fashion designer, from computer programmer to military officer. Get the facts here.

https://www.enterprisetimes.co.uk/2018/07/04/computational-thinking-will-be-vital-for-the-future-job-market/

https://careerswithstem.com.au/computational-thinking/

https://minutehack.com/opinions/how-thinking-like-a-computer-will-help-save-our-jobs