Computational Thinking Teacher Resources - CSTA

CT Learning Experiences▪ “Why do you think the boy’s family members didn’t think he could do this?”▪ “What did you learn from the boy in the story?” (Determination, patience,confidence, knowledge can help you persist in the face of new challenges andunknown experiences.)▪ “Have you ever done something new and wondered if you might not be able to doit? What made you keep trying?”3. Student reflection activity: The lesson concludes with a wrap-up activity that asksstudents to either:▪ Draw pictures of a similar experience they may have had when they succeededeven though someone said they couldn’t. Have students describe the picture insentences.Or▪ Draw a picture of [something they would like to do but are a little afraid of becausethey’ve never done it before]. Have students describe why they are reticent to dothe activity and what would help them be more persistent to be successful.CT Guide on the Side[Something they would like to do] Attempting a taskwhen the outcome is not completely known requires asense of confidence that supports finding solutions toproblems; confidence dealing with complexity.Table of Contents18PART II - CURRICULUM CONNECTIONSComputer Science1. Seeds at SchoolThe boy was able to care for the seed every day because he planted the seed at home.What would be the difference between being able to take care of the seed if we planted theseed at school? Some things, like watering, need to be done consistently. [What happenswhen a person cannot do the task consistently, such as when there are weekends orholidays and no one is at school? How could we water the plant when no one is here?]Explore what students know about [sprinkler systems], a computer-based solution. Whydo we have sprinkler systems? Why do some systems have timers? Where is the schoolsprinkler system? Is there a timer? Have the custodian provide the class with a tour thatshows where the timer is, why the school has a timer, and how it works. Where is thecontroller (computer) on the system?[What happens when] Asking the right questions helpsto focus the students on a problem that has multiplefacets. Asking “how” rather than “who” questions leadstudents to very different possible solutions.[Sprinkler Systems]Highlight Automation: having computers or machines dorepetitive or tedious tasks