Unit 16: Solution (Algorithmic) Thinking

Applying our thinking to creating solutions is often feared because we struggle to understand a problem. To design a solution can be daunting. Yet, if we learn some key steps in a "thinking" and design process we can achieve amazing outcomes from our solution thinking flow.

When we combine thinking with application (design) we are in fact developing computational thinking.

We should aim to follow 3 stages in a process. Define the problem > Design a digital Interface > Compose a digital solution.

Watch the videos (top right) about Abstraction and Computational Thinking

Can you build a robot that will solve these problems? Click here.

Grow more crops with a Robotic bee
Clean up the oceans
Explore tunnels

As a class or with a partner, explore some solutions to the Alien's challenge.

Click on the alien to enlarge.

Carefully consider the grid below. Your goal is to select ONE activity from each column.

1: DEFINE THE PROBLEM

2: DIGITAL INTERFACE

3: DIGITAL SOLUTION

I AM AN INVENTOR

Put on your thinking cap. Invent a new device that will improve our lives. You could also create a better version of something that is already invented.

Decompose your idea and produce a algorithmic flow chart showing how it would work.

I CAN DESIGN

Using Scratch, code a game that teaches us how to use your new idea.

Your user interface (Game screen) should have clear icons that are easy to understand by anyone from a different culture.

I SOLVED IT

Awesome!. Your solution needs to be shared with the world. Create an App that allows us to benefit from your solution.

Suggested App Websites:

HOME VACUBOT

Most of us dislike vacuuming. Think about how a robot vacuum works.

Decompose your idea and produce an algorithmic flow chart showing how it would work.

See video (right)

EDUCATE US

Using Scratch create an educational game or quiz that will help us understand the problem you are creating a solution for. Your game or quiz should be simple, and it must avoid confusion.

You could use Appgeyser or MIT AppInventor

FUTURE NEEDS

Using Power point create an interactive quiz with hyperlinked buttons show us how your solution is sustainable into the future.

Where could your interactive presentation be used?

See video (right)

SCHOOL PICKUP ZONE

Every morning and afternoon traffic is chaos at my school. How can it be solved?

Decompose your idea and produce a algorithmic flow chart showing how it would work.

PYTHON CODER

Learn Python code and create a program that allows other users to interact with or understand how your solution works.

Click here to learn Python Code

KNOWLEDGE POWER

Create a website that explains the problem you selected and the design solution you created.

Your website needs to be fun, factual and engaging.

You could use:

Create an App that is a solution to a problem.

Design and create your own App with MIT App Inventor2. Click here

Create a game with http://taleblazer.org/

Define problems in terms of data and functional requirements, drawing on previously solved problems to identify similarities.
Design a user interface for a digital system, generating and considering alternative design ideas
Design, modify and follow simple algorithms represented diagrammatically and in English, involving sequences of steps, branching, and iteration.
Develop digital solutions as simple visual programs.
Explain how student-developed solutions and existing information systems meet current and future community and sustainability needs.