Unplugged Computational Thinking
with Classroom Manipulatives
Speakers
Abena Njeeri
Facilitator
Kathy Benson
Program Director
Tequity4All
kbenson@tequity4all.org
Introduction
Orientation
Need
Approach
Essential Questions
Objectives
Think-pair-share
1 minute
Name some ways you use computational thinking in real life.
Inquiry Cycle
A way to learn about a new teaching approach.
Cycle Outputs
Challenge:
Manipulatives
Reflect:
Anchor Chart
Connect:
Lesson Seed
Challenge Directions
2. Reflect
Brainstorm Thinking Skills
Think-pair-share at your table:
Computational thinking refers to the thought processes involved in expressing solutions as computational steps or algorithms that can be carried out by a computer.
But you don’t need a computer to do it!
Reflect
b. Summarize your table’s thinking on an Anchor Chart
Model Poster
Sample Student Work
CT
Challenges
Benefits
Expectations for your Anchor Chart
How did the manipulatives help in solving the challenge?
What computational thinking skills did you use during the challenge?
How could you replicate this approach for a different content topic?
?
2. Reflect
c. Synthesize everyone’s thinking
through a gallery walk
Notice
Praise
Question
Polish
?
Star
Speech
Bubble
Arrow
3. Connect
Apply What You Learned
Connect to Your Teaching
Combine Unplugged with Plugged Activities
Cognitive Load
Cognitive load refers to the amount of information a learner can handle simultaneously.
25
A Model of Cognition
Resources
For Instruction
Extensions
For PD
Thank you