Computer Science

Algorithm

A set of steps to complete a task.

Code

A language that can be understood by a computer.

Program

Instructions written in code, which are then run by a computer.

Input

Information sent into a computer (from users, devices, or other computers).

Processing

To read, change, and understand information that is input.

Storage

To keep information in memory (or on-hand) to be used later.

Output

Data sent out from a computer to users, devices, or other computers.

Computer

A machine that receives, processes, stores, and sends out data or information.

Hardware

A collection of devices to store, change, and display data.

Software

The things that you run that provide instructions for the hardware to follow.

CPU

Handles most system input, like mouse clicks and running applications.

HDD

Permanently saves all data so it can be retrieved later when needed.

SSD

Permanently stores data, but without clunky moving parts, making it faster than the HDD.

Define

What is your problem and constraints in the problem-solving process.

Prepare

Research, brainstorm, and make a plan in the problem-solving process.

Try

Put your plan into action in the problem-solving process.

Reflect

How do your results compare, how can you learn from this in the problem-solving process.

Decomposition

Breaking the problem down into smaller parts in computational thinking.

Pattern Recognition

Identifying things in common in computational thinking.

Abstraction

Focusing on important information, ignoring the details in computational thinking.

Computational Thinking

A problem-solving process that uses computers.

Algorithms

The end result or the set of instructions to solve the problem in computational thinking.

Random Memory Access

Temporarily stores data related to what is currently running to help the computer run faster

Optical Drive

Loads and writes data from CD’s, DVD’s, Blu-rays and more

Graphics/Video Card

Converts data and information from the CPU into something that can be seen on a monitor or other screen

Monitor

Displays images using pixels

Motherboard

The circut that connects the main hardware so they can communicate and work with eachother

What makes a computer?

Input, Output, Storage, Processing

What are the 4 steps to problem solving?

Define, prepare, try, reflect

What are the 4 steps to computational thinking?

Decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm