Vocabulary Terms

Algorithm

A precise sequence of instructions for processes that can be executed by a computer

Aluminum boats problem

Create aluminum foil boats to hold as many pennies as possible

Birthday party guest problem

Try to get everyone seated for a birthday party, respecting who wants to and does not to sit with others

Computer

A machine that inputs, outputs, stores, and processes information.

Computer processing

The ability to change or manipulate information in a structured manner.

Computer storage

The ability to save data for later retrieval

Counting process

Any process that determines the number of times a certain event or calculation occurs

Define step of problem solving

Used to specify what the problem itself is, and what goals you intend to achieve.

I/O

Short for Input/Output

Input

A device or component that allows information to be given to a computer

Matching process

Any process that compares two elements to determine if they are identical or similar

Output

Any device or component that receives information from a computer

Plan a trip problem

Consider whether a planned process to go somewhere meets certain goals

Prepare step of problem solving

Gather resources toward achieving your goal, which will be attempted in the Try step. Also make a plan.

Problem solving process

A general process for approaching multiple problems

Reflect step of problem solving

Determine whether your attempt met the goal you set for yourself, what you can learn and what problems you now want to solve

Smartphone app

Any software that runs on a smartphone, which does many of the things a computer would do

Smartphone movie recommendation app

An app that recommends a movie to watch

Smartphone ring silencer app

An app that silences a smartphone when you are at school, and turns the volume back on when the user leaves school

Sorting process

Any process that puts a set of elements into a natural or logical order based on a set of rules

Try step of problem solving

Attempt your plan, putting it into action

Word search problem

Find words in a grid of letters

Problem Solving