The 'Tree Hut Treaty' and Computational Thinking

Students used the virtue of 'Perseverance' when they created an algorithm to answer questions about the 'Tree Hut Treaty' story that we read on Wednesday. They learned to give and follow instructions and to break down simple tasks into precise step by step instructions.

Computational Thinking #5

After learning all about an 'Algorithm' and 'Program', Rooms' 4 & 5 used what they now know and are busy learning to code... They used a programming puzzle game whose mechanics require using programming logic to solve levels. Key Competencies used were 'Using Language, Symbols & Text' (to identify and correcting their mistakes) and 'Thinking' (Solving Problems). Lots of Virtues were also on display; Perseverance, Co-operation.

Computational Thinking #4

Today Rooms' 4 and 5 made some 'Hokey Pokey' The had to follow the instructions (algorithm) of exactly... Afterwards we discussed why some did not taste as well. Answers varied from not using a tablespoon when having to and that means they did not have enough sugar and or golden syrup. At times the amounts were too many or not enough. Some tasted burned and other salty.

Looking at the recipe beforehand

Looking at the recipe beforehand

Some interesting end results...

Whaea Halei's tasted the best...

Computational Thinking #3

Today (when learning more about 'Computational Thinking') our students worked on giving a list of steps that others can follow to complete a task, which is called an algorithm.

They had to give directions to a 'robot' and found out which instructions (steps) the robot was able to follow, and how their instructions were taken literally.

The robot could only respond to particular commands and also had to close his/her eyes. Some of the instructions used were:

'Move your hand to the left", "Pick up the block beside your hand", and so on. If an instruction was given the robot could not do, the robot could then respond by shaking his/her head. 

The task was completed when the tower was built.