Think Like a Programmer

Solving problems is one of the primary parts of a computer coder's job. This book uses fun activities to explore different computer programming concepts, like computational thinking, organization, and breaking down tasks. Each activity allows readers to explore the concepts without the use of a computer, instead using everyday objects to expand the reader's understanding of computer programming skills and concepts.

Computer programmers use different skills every day. One of those skills is analyzing data. This series of fun, unplugged activities teaches readers to assess and organize data, reveals the importance of those abilities to computer programming, and demonstrates how they can be harnessed to analyze information in real life. Each activity uses everyday objects and materials to help a reader learn how to think like a coder does. Students will gain key skills in areas of computational thinking, collaboration, project management, and analysis.

Computer coding thrives off of collaboration to solve problems. This fun activity book provides readers with ways to adapt and use collaboration in everyday life. Its key concepts include organizing data, teamwork, project management, appreciation, trial and error, and problem solving. Each activity is unplugged, using materials readers can find at home. The activities focus on building the reader's understanding of the benefits and advantages of collaborating with others.

Loops are repetitive tasks commonly found in computer programming. This book of fun activities encourages readers to form their own loops using everyday objects. These unplugged exercises teach young readers the concepts programmers use every day, such as patterning, reusing materials, and ordering information. Each activity helps readers become stronger thinkers and the coders of tomorrow.

Part of computer coding is thinking of what will happen to the program when a particular condition is applied. This is called an if/then sequence. In this activity book, readers explore the fun that can be had with if/then statements. The activities do not require a computer. They explore concepts like breaking down problems into smaller tasks, working in groups, ordering information, cooperation, and conditional statements. Each activity emphasizes the importance of if/then sequences and explains how to approach them like a programmer.

Computer coders don't always get things right the first time. There is a level of risk involved in creating a program. This series of activities allows readers to explore concepts such as odds and chance, computational thinking, and probability using real-life situations. Each unplugged activity explains odds, how to predict and understand chance, and how these concepts fit into computer programming.