Computational Thinking

Given technology’s ever-present role in our lives, it is essential for students to develop the ability to use and understand those technologies. Computational Thinking involves solving a range of problems like a computer scientist, identifying possible solutions to a particular problem, and learning to code. Computational thinking means breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable problems, implementing algorithms, communicating patterns through symbolic language, and analyzing data and solutions. These skills are essential to succeed in the world today regardless of what field a person decides to pursue.

Middle School
Upper School

Middle School

In the Middle School, all students take one trimester of computational thinking in 6th grade and one in 8th grade. We recognize that students will begin this course of study with a range of prior knowledge, so the class activities are organized into a series of experiments and highly differentiated, allowing all students to progress as they master key understandings. Students will start with tools like scratch and game design to develop the core concepts and skills of computer science. Advancing from block-based to text-based programming to discovery of a variety of programming languages, students gain a strong understanding of fundamental syntax structures and learn how to transfer ideas from one language to another.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM GUIDE

Upper School

All Upper School students take a core course titled Foundations in Computational Thinking in order to lay a foundation of both programming skills and an ethical understanding of the impacts of technology in the world. In addition, students have a number of elective courses to choose from such as The Science of Robotics, Software Development, and Artificial Intelligence. In these courses, students get more comfortable with core principles of coding and expand their understanding of text-based coding languages. They continue to develop an understanding of logic structures and syntax while continuing to problem solve, debug, and connect computational thinking to their creative interests.

Upper School Curriculum Guide

Meet the Computational Thinking Faculty

Photo of students in computational thinking at Seattle Academy

Computational Thinking at SAAS FAQ

If my child transfers to SAAS after 6th grade and hasn’t taken any computer science classes, will they succeed in the 8th grade class?

While Computational Thinking 8 will build upon the concepts explored in Computational Thinking 6, teachers design the curricula to be accessible to all learners, both beginners and students who are more experienced in the subject matter. Because our goal is not to have students master a programming language, the teachers can adjust elements of each unit so that every student can be successful and progress in their ability to think and problem solve like a computer scientist.

If my child has a lot of experience with programming, can my child opt out of the computational thinking requirement?

In Middle School, we believe it is essential for all students to develop their computational thinking skills, regardless of their proficiency with computers or programming. The teachers will be able to adjust elements of the curriculum to build upon students’ prior knowledge and experience. In high school, students will have more course options and must fulfill the graduation requirement with one of these courses. You can reach out to your child’s advisor or an academic dean to discuss your child’s particular needs.

What is computational thinking?

Computational thinking involves solving problems like a computer scientist, identifying different possible solutions to a particular problem and selecting elegant, effective, and efficient strategies. Computational thinking is about breaking down large tasks into smaller, more manageable problems, implementing algorithms, communicating patterns through symbolic language, and analyzing data and solutions.