Computational Thinking (How to think like a computer scientist) Lesson 2 Algorithms

Objectives To know the term ‘Algorithm’ means To create algorithms to everyday situations

Recap - The four cornerstones of Computer Science  

What is an algorithm? Algorithms are one of the four cornerstones of Computer Science.  An algorithm is a plan, a detailed set of step-by-step instructions to solve a problem.  If you can: tie shoelaces make a cup of tea get dressed prepare a meal then you already know how to follow an algorithm.

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Describing Algorithms There are two ways of describing an algorithm: Flowcharts – A graphical representation of the steps involved Pseudocode – English like instructions detailing every step

Activity 1 Download the Sequencing Worksheet from this link: https://ict4u.net/ComputerScience/includes/CT/L2-Sequencing Worksheet.docx Or http://bit.ly/2Y85jj8 Make sure that you save it to your CT folder. Open the document and follow the instructions

Algorithm Problem: How would you write an algorithm that draws this picture of a house like this?: Clue: Think about last lesson’s topic on decomposition

The Top Level Draw the outline of the house Draw the chimney Draw the door Draw the windows Main Draw Outline Draw Chimney Draw Door Draw Windows

Activity 2 – Drawing the Windows Complete the task on Page 2 of the Sequencing Worksheet Remember to save your work! Download the starter code using this link: https://ict4u.net/Python/includes/CodeTxt/Window%20Sta rter.txt Or http://bit.ly/2XY7L0p