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.
