Decomposition Thinking
Computer Science: KS3, topic 1.1.2
Computational Thinking with Cupcakes
Decomposing is a method used in computational thinking to break a complex task down into smaller tasks. We can use decomposing to break down the tasks involved in making cupcakes.
Decomposing
- Imagine telling your friends how to make cupcakes for a party.
- If you just said, ‘make the cupcakes’, they might be confused and everybody would do it differently.
Decomposing gives the steps
- There are different parts to making cupcakes:
- Make the batter.
- Make the icing.
- Bake the cakes.
- Add the toppings.
- Each of these tasks can be decomposed into logical steps.
Algorithms
- For each part of the cupcake task, there are many smaller steps.
- The steps must be clear, in the right order and able to be followed to give the same result every time.
- The steps and rules that are followed are called an algorithm.
- Think of an algorithm like the steps in the recipe for the cupcakes.
Test yourself on Decomposition Thinking
After you have decomposed a task (such as baking a cake, sewing a shirt, etc.) what are you left with?
In an algorithm, what order must the steps be done in to get the same results every time?