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Computational Thinking

Sixth graders learn computational thinking — the four powerful problem-solving tools of decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm design — skills that help them tackle challenges in coding and every subject.

Grade 6Problem-Solving45 minutes1 class periodUse → Modify → CreateExplicit teaching4 StandardsCSTA
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Lesson at a Glance

Everything you need before the bell rings

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to…

  • ✓Name the parts of computational thinking.
  • ✓Use decomposition.
  • ✓Spot patterns.
  • ✓Design an algorithm.
Essential Question

Computer scientists solve huge problems using four thinking tools — and you can use them for anything, not just code. What is computational thinking?

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Lesson Phases
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Vocabulary Terms
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Standards Aligned
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Interactive Task
Explore · Interactive

The Computational Thinking Explorer

Project this and tap each idea. Have students learn the four tools of computational thinking.

🧠 Explore computational thinking — tap eachTry it

The Lesson · Use → Modify → Create (a coding progression with Unplugged practice)

45 minutes, five moves

Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.

1

Hook — Four Thinking Tools

5 min

Computer scientists use four thinking tools — what are they?

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Pose a big problem.
  • Preview the tools.
  • Set the goal.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Consider.
  • Predict.
  • Get ready.
2

Unplugged — Unplug It

11 min

Students practice.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Decompose a real task.
  • Find a pattern.
  • Feel the tools.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Break it up.
  • Find it.
  • Feel it.
3

Use — Explore the Tools

14 min

Students use.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Send students to the Computational Thinking Explorer.
  • Note each tool.
  • Explain them.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Tap each.
  • Note them.
  • Explain.
4

Modify — Apply It

10 min

Students modify.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Use abstraction on a problem.
  • Design an algorithm.
  • Explain your steps.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Simplify it.
  • Design it.
  • Explain.
5

Create — Create

5 min

Students conclude.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Moves

  • Solve a problem with the tools.
  • Name the tools used.
  • Complete the exit ticket.

🎒 Student Actions

  • Solve it.
  • Name them.
  • Complete the exit ticket.
Standards Alignment

Built to the standards you report on

Aligned to the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards and ISTE Standards for Students.

CSTA
2-AP-13

Decompose problems into parts.

CSTA
2-AP-10

Use algorithms to solve problems.

CSTA
2-AP-11

Create variables and use patterns.

ISTE
5

Computational Thinker.

Differentiation

One lesson, every learner

Multilingual Learners

ELL / EMERGING READERS
  • Tool + example cards.
  • Sentence frame: “___ means ___.”
  • Use a real problem.

Support & Access

IEP / 504
  • Start with decomposition.
  • Use a simple problem.
  • Name one tool.

Stretch & Extend

GIFTED / EARLY FINISHERS
  • Apply all four tools.
  • Explain abstraction deeply.
  • Solve a coding problem.
Materials

What to gather

  • 📽️Projector / board
  • 🧩Problem cards
  • 💻The Computational Thinking Explorer
  • 📋Planning sheets
  • ✏️Pens
  • 🎫Exit-ticket slips
Vocabulary

Key terms — hover for a quick definition

computational thinkinga way to solve problems like a computer scientistdecompositionbreaking a problem into partspattern recognitionspotting things that repeatabstractionfocusing on what mattersalgorithma step-by-step planproblem-solvingfinding a solutionreuseusing a solution againsolutionthe answer to a problem
Evaluate

Exit Ticket

Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.

QUESTION 1
Name two parts of computational thinking.
Sample: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, or algorithm design.
QUESTION 2
What is decomposition?
Breaking a big problem into smaller, easier parts.
QUESTION 3
What is an algorithm?
A step-by-step plan to solve a problem.

Create: think it through.

Have students pick a real problem and use decomposition to break it into three smaller parts. A printable computational-thinking sheet is in the Computer Science library.

Study · Flashcards

Study the key terms

Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.

🃏 Computational ThinkingFlip
Card 1
Term
Tap to flip →
Meaning
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Practice · Quiz

Check your understanding

A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.

📝 Computational ThinkingQuiz
Score: 0
1 / 6
Question 1
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Nice work!

Practice · Worksheet

Printable worksheet

A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.

🖨️ Computational ThinkingPrint
Name: ________________________
Date: ____________

Part A · Write the word that matches each meaning

Word bank: abstraction, algorithm, computational thinking, decomposition, pattern recognition, problem-solving, reuse, solution
  1. using a solution again
  2. spotting things that repeat
  3. finding a solution
  4. a step-by-step plan
  5. breaking a problem into parts
  6. focusing on what matters
  7. a way to solve problems like a computer scientist
  8. the answer to a problem

Part B · Show what you learned

  1. Name two parts of computational thinking.
  2. What is decomposition?
  3. What is an algorithm?
Answer key — Part A: 1) reuse · 2) pattern recognition · 3) problem-solving · 4) algorithm · 5) decomposition · 6) abstraction · 7) computational thinking · 8) solution
Part B: 1) Sample: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, or algorithm design. 2) Breaking a big problem into smaller, easier parts. 3) A step-by-step plan to solve a problem.