Computational Thinking for Elementary Classrooms

This module introduces educators to the foundations of computational thinking and demonstrates practical strategies for integrating problem solving, pattern recognition, decomposition, algorithms and abstraction into elementary STEM instruction.

After this module you will be able to

• Explain the principles of computational thinking
• Apply decomposition to solve classroom problems
• Identify patterns to improve student reasoning
• Design simple algorithms for learning activities
• Integrate computational thinking into STEM lessons
• Develop engaging classroom projects that strengthen critical thinking

Topics

1. Topic 1 · Programming, Robotics and Computational Thinking in the Classroom

   • 1.1 Introduction
   • 1.2 Why programming
   • 1.3 Why robotics
   • 1.4 Computational thinking
   • 1.5 References
   • docs Topic document

2. Topic 2 · The STEAM Approach and the Design of Lesson Plans Integrating Programming and Robotics

   • 2.1 Introduction
   • 2.2 STEAM as a learning model
   • 2.3 STEAM for problem solving
   • 2.4 Designing lesson plans
   • 2.5 References
   • docs Topic document

3. Topic 3 · Fundamental Concepts of Programming

   • 3.1 Introduction
   • 3.2 Unplugged computational thinking
   • 3.3 Algorithms and flowcharts
   • 3.4 Structuring algorithms
   • 3.5 Control structures
   • 3.6 References
   • docs Topic document

4. Topic 4 · Video Programming with Scratch

   • 4.1 Introduction
   • 4.2 The block-based environment
   • 4.3 ScratchJr
   • 4.4 Getting started
   • 4.5 Programming in Scratch
   • 4.6 Scratch in education
   • 4.7 Controlling robots
   • 4.8 References