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Knowledge and Skills Statement

Computational thinking--foundations. The student explores the core concepts of computational thinking, a set of problem-solving processes that involve decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms.

The further explanation is designed to be a resource for educators that helps them better understand the topic their students are learning. Further explanations may be written at a more complex level than would be expected for students at the grade level.

The final step in computational thinking is to design an algorithm or develop a step-by-step strategy for solving a problem. Algorithmic thinking involves both the creation and the execution of an algorithm. For example, when a grandmother writes down a family recipe for her signature dish, she creates an algorithm that others can follow to replicate the dish. In social studies, when using maps to get directions to a friend’s house, there is a specific sequence of steps to follow. In science investigations, students have a set of instructions to carry out so one can collect and analyze data. In math, when solving a problem, students are working an algorithm. 
 

Glossary terms and definitions are consistent across kindergarten through high school in the TEKS Guide. The definitions are intended to give educators a common understanding of the terms regardless of what grade level they teach. Glossary definitions are not intended for use with students.

a process, or list of steps, followed to solve a problem or complete a task
 

instructions for a computer (as within a piece of software); the symbolic arrangement of statements or instructions in a computer program, or the set of instructions in such a program
 

repetition of steps within a program to create efficiency
 

the following of one thing after another; succession