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


What makes a computer?

  1. Input - information sent into a computer (from users, devices, or other computers)

  2. Processing - to read, change, and understand information that is input

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

  4. Output - data sent out from a computer to users, devices, or other computers

Computer - A machine that receive, process, store, and send 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


Parts of a Computer

  • 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


Problem-Solving Process

  1. Define - What is your problem and constraints

  2. Prepare - Research, brainstorm, and make plan

  3. Try - put your plan into action

  4. Reflect - how do your results compare, how can you learn from this


Computational Thinking Process

  1. Decomposition - breaking the problem down into smaller parts

  2. Pattern Recognition - Identifying things in common

  3. Abstraction - Focusing on important information, ignoring the details

  4. Algorithms - end result or the set of instructions to solve the problem


Computational Thinking - A problem-solving process that uses computers