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Year 10
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Computational thinking

I can use computational thinking techniques to help solve problems.

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New
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Year 10
OCR

Computational thinking

I can use computational thinking techniques to help solve problems.

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Share activities with pupils
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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Computational thinking is a systematic approach to solving problems.
  2. Decomposition is used to break down a large problem into smaller subproblems.
  3. Abstraction is used to focus on the important details of a problem.
  4. Algorithmic thinking is used to create a series of logical, step-by-step instructions to solve a problem.

Keywords

  • Computational thinking - a structured approach to solving problems

  • Abstraction - to focus on the important parts of a problem and ignore irrelevant details

  • Decomposition - to break down problems into smaller, more manageable subproblems

  • Algorithmic thinking - to consider the solution to a problem as a series of logical, step-by-step instructions

Common misconception

Computational thinking techniques are only related to solving problems with computers.

The underlying principles of computational thinking can be applied in various aspects of life, even without any digital technology.  


To help you plan your year 10 computer science lesson on: Computational thinking, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage learners to think about everyday scenarios where they may already be using computational thinking techniques.
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This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is another name for step-by-step instructions?
Correct Answer: algorithm, procedure
Q2.
What is important when planning a project?
leaving it unplanned
Correct answer: creating a step-by-step plan
ignoring feedback/users' opinions
rushing through it
Q3.
When following a recipe to bake a cake, what are you doing?
guessing the ingredients
mixing everything at once
Correct answer: following a series of steps
writing instructions
Q4.
When you plan a route to walk to a friend's house, what are you doing?
wandering aimlessly
walking in circles
guessing the way
Correct answer: deciding on a path to follow
Q5.
Order these steps to go shopping.
1 - Make a shopping list.
2 - Go to the shop.
3 - Select the items.
4 - Pay for the items.
5 - Return home.
Q6.
What are you doing when you follow a routine?
Correct answer: completing tasks in a specific sequence
skipping steps
doing things in any order
changing the sequence every day

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is computational thinking?
Correct answer: a systematic approach to solving problems
a game played on computers
a type of computer software
a way to memorise facts
Q2.
Order these steps to prepare a meal.
1 - Wash your hands.
2 - Gather ingredients.
3 - Cook the food.
4 - Serve the meal.
5 - Clean up the kitchen.
Q3.
What does decomposition help you do?
It helps you to make a problem bigger.
Correct answer: It helps you to break down a problem into smaller parts.
It helps you to ignore the problem.
It helps you to solve the problem instantly.
Q4.
What is the process of focusing on important details of a problem called?
Correct Answer: Abstraction
Q5.
What do you call the process of creating a series of logical steps to solve a problem?
Correct Answer: algorithmic thinking
Q6.
Can computational thinking be applied without computers?
No, it is only for computers.
Correct answer: Yes, it can be applied in various aspects of life.
only in specific situations
only with advanced technology

Additional material

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