Predicting Computational Thinking in Elementary Science Lessons Using a Multilevel Model Approach

Table 1

CT concepts and approaches definitions and examples.

CT concepts and approaches	Definition and example at elementary level modified from barefoot computing at school [19]
Decomposition	“Process of breaking down a task into smaller, more manageable parts” example: planning a research project or labeling a life cycle
Patterns	“Spotting similarities or common differences” example: see similarities and differences in data collected
Abstraction	“Identifying what is important without worrying too much about detail” example: making notes or charts of the most important information
Algorithm	“Find and fix errors through predicting what should happen, find out exactly what did happen, work out where something went wrong” Example: How to get dressed or brush their teeth
Creating	“Planning and making things” example: making models
Persevering	“Be determined, resilient, and tenacious” example: tackling difficult problems while experiencing confusion
Tinkering	“Explore and experiment to try things out” example: figuring out how things work
Debugging	“Finding and fixing errors” example: fixing errors in their work
Collaborating	“Work with others to ensure the best result” example: working as a team