Chapter 2 - Think like a computer Scientist (Part A)

Objectives:
Students will be able to

• Define an Algorithm
• Decompose a given problem into smaller units.

Resources:

1. Algorithm Video 1
2. Algorithm Video 2
3. Decomposition Video
4. Decomposing a movie making task

Tasks:

Task 1: Critical Thinking Task for exploring Algorithm
Watch the algorithm videos 1 and 2, discuss in group and answer the following Questions;

• Is it possible to write more than one different algorithms for solving a problem? 
• If your answer is no, explain why? If your answer is yes, explain how can you prefer one algorithm over another?

Task 2:

Watch the video for understanding decomposition and decompose the following problems in more than 3 smaller parts.

1. Arrange a dinner at home.
2. Writing times table of a number up to 10.

Task 3:

Watch the video for decomposition (Resource 3), discuss in group and answer the following critical thinking questions;

1. Can all the smaller units of a decomposed problem be solved simultaneously?
2. analyze the role of decomposing a problem and explain how it helps in solving a problem.

Task 4:

Observe the following images carefully, think critically and answer the following Questions.

1. Which one is the shortest or quickest algorithm?
2. Will the shortest algorithm be the best in all situations? Justify your answer.

Task 5:

1. Are Red and Pink algorithms solving the same problem? Explain your answer.

Task 6:

1. Write one situation for each algorithm to be the best fit.