Computational Thinking
A cross-curricular approach
OK, so what the heck is "computational thinking" doing in a class about geospatial tools??
Well, computational thinking can provide a framework for helping students make sense of geospatial data. It's a way to process all of this information - a way to guide students through a complex representation. As you learned earlier, spatial thinking is complicated. Computational thinking is one way to scaffold students' understanding.
Computational thinking is often thought as something that only resides within the STEM curriculum. It's not.
- Computational thinking can help us understand data in every subject.
- Computational thinking can help you frame lessons that use geospatial tools.
- Computational thinking can make you look a rock star to your peers and administrators.
READ this article for a broad overview ⬇️
What is computational thinking?
Basically, Computational thinking is a set of critical thinking skills that emulates the way a computer might solve a problem.
WATCH this video by ISTE that makes the case for computational thinking being a critical, cross-curricular skill for the 21st century. ➡️
Computational Thinking in a Real Classroom
READ this article describing the integration of computational thinking into a local 8th grade social studies curriculum. ➡️
Example Lesson
EXPLORE this Example
Topic: Global Terrorism
Setting: 8th Grade Social Studies Class
A Deeper Dive:
READ this article about computational thinking ➡️
Additional Resources:
Check out Dr. Hammond's resource page on Computational Thinking for lots of lesson ideas in social studies ⬇️