CS Discoveries 2020-2021

Unit 1 Overview

Unit 1 introduces core practices and frameworks that students will use throughout the course. By the end of the unit, students should be able to identify the defining characteristics of a computer and how it is used to solve information problems. They should be able to use a structured problem solving process to address problems and design solutions that use computing technology.

Learning Framework

Understanding Computing Devices

Students should be able to identify input, output, storage, and processing as four essential components of a computing device and explain the role that each component takes when computers are used to solve informational problems.

Models of Computing Devices:

Identify a computer as a machine that works with information and give a high level description of the input-output-storage-processing model of computing devices.

Input and Output:

Identify the inputs and outputs of common computing devices and select the inputs and outputs used to perform common computing tasks.

Storage:

Provide examples of common types of information stored on a computer and explain the need for storage as part of processing information with a computer.

Processing:

Define processing as the work done (possibly by a computer) to turn an input into an output and define an algorithm as the series of commands a computer uses to process information

The Problem Solving Process

Students should be able to define and use a structured problem solving process, identifying key components of the process and how they apply to various problems. Students should use multiple strategies to approach problems, iteratively improving on the solution through collaboration and reflection.

Use a structured problem solving process:

Given various problems, identify individual actions that would fall within each step of a structured process to solve them.

Define a problem to be solved

Assess how well defined a problem is and use strategies to define the problem more precisely

Plan a solution

Consider various approaches to solving a problem, and decide which is the most appropriate

Implement a solution

Carry out and evaluate a solution to a problem, iteratively improving on it as needed

Computing and Algorithms

Students should combine their understandings of computing and problem solving to identify and design solutions for computational problems. In doing so, they should develop algorithms that can automate the processing of information, producing a desired output from a given input.

Identify and define computational problems:

Choose problems that can be solved with computing and justify those choices.

Develop computational solutions:

Identify the inputs associated with a given problem, and define the processing and storage needed to produce the desired output.

Developing algorithms:

Develop and iteratively improve algorithms for processing information.