Chapter 2.1 - Unit Overview
This unit provides an introduction to the Thunkable programming platform and your first programming project, the I Have a Dream app. You will be introduced to Thunkable’s event-driven programming model and learn how mobile apps are examples of computing innovations. First you will work through a two-part guided tutorial that plays an excerpt of the famous I Have a Dream speech by civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. and then you will be presented with several exercises that challenge you to extend your understanding by solving problems on your own and by working in pairs. This is followed later in the unit by several creative enhancement projects where you will be invited to express your own ideas by developing your own mobile apps. You will also be introduced to several important CS Principles themes and topics. Two lessons focus on hardware and software concepts. You will get your first look at binary numbers learning how to count in binary and how to view number systems such as binary and decimal, as instances of the higher-order data abstraction of a positional number system.
Big Idea 1: Creative Development (CRD)
Enduring Understanding CRD-1: Incorporating multiple perspectives through collaboration improves computing innovations as they are developed.
Enduring Understanding CRD-2: Developers create and innovate using an iterative design process that is user-focused, that incorporates implementation/feedback cycles, and that leaves ample room for experimentation and risk-taking.
Big Idea 2: Data (DAT)
Enduring Understanding DAT-1: The way a computer represents data internally is different from the way the data is interpreted and displayed for the user. Programs are used to translate data into a representation more easily understood by people.
Big Idea 3: Algorithms and Programming (AAP)
Enduring Understanding AAP-2: The way statements are sequenced and combined in a program determines the computed result. Programs incorporate iteration and selection constructs to represent repetition and make decisions to handle varied input values.
Big Idea 4: Computing Systems and Networks (CSN)
Enduring Understanding CSN-1: Computer systems and networks facilitate how data are transferred.
Big Idea 5: Impact of Computing (IOC)
Enduring Understanding IOC-1: While computing innovations are typically designed to achieve a specific purpose, they may have unintended consequences.
Enduring Understanding IOC-2: The use of computing innovations may involve risks to your personal safety and identity
Vocabulary Terms
Below are the vocabulary terms that you'll learn in this unit separated into categories. You will find a vocabulary section similar to this at the end of each lesson. Hover over the terms to review the definitions. You'll be able to practice your knowledge of the vocabulary with a quizlet at the end of the unit.
abstracting
abstraction
algorithm
base
binary number system
binary sequence
bit
Boolean
byte
computing innovation
constant
control structure
data
data abstraction
decimal number system
HTTP
if/else
input
Internet
iteration
network
output
overflow error
procedural abstraction
program
program function
program purpose
protocol
pseudocode
repetition
selection
sequence
software
special purpose computer
TCP/IP
variable
WWW
WWW as a higher level of abstraction
blacklist
browser
character
compilation
computer
cyberspace
data center
data network
flowchart
general purpose computer
hexadecimal number system
high level language
IDE
IETF
interpretation
logic gate
machine language
Moore’s Law
octal number system
open standard
positional number system
social network
Tim Berners-Lee
whitelist
2.1.1 Self Check
Q-1: Identify 1-2 vocabulary terms from the table above that you know and define them in your own words. If you don’t know any of these words yet, that’s ok! Instead, write 1-2 sentences on how you plan to practice learning the vocabulary for this unit.
Q-2: Identify 1-2 vocabulary terms from the table above that you have heard before but don’t know the definition for.
Q-3: Identify 1-2 vocabulary terms from the table above that you don’t know but want to learn in this unit.
2.1.2. Reflection: For Your Portfolio
Portfolio Reflection Questions
Make a copy of this document in your Portfolio Assignments folder and answer these questions in the spaces below. Once complete, turn in this assignment according to the steps given by your teacher.
WORD RANKING: How familiar are you with these words? Enter a ✔ into the applicable cell for each vocabulary word and then answer the questions.
Vocabulary Word
Not Familiar At All - I have never heard of this word.
Sort of Familiar - I have heard it before.
Really Familiar - I could teach someone else this word.
input
output
program
program function
event
user interface (UI)
algorithm
sequence
selection
repetition (or iteration)
pseudocode
If/else
conditional
computing innovation
program purpose
pair programming
bits
bytes
binary code
computing device
The Internet
World Wide Web
protocol
the cloud
browser
component
sensor
collaboration
debugging
abstraction
data abstraction
procedural abstraction
representation
binary number system
sequences
decimal number system
hexadecimal
convert
positional number system
logic gates
AND gate
OR gate
NOT gate
Boolean
Flip flop
hardware abstractions
Moore’s Law
data
1. Which vocabulary words in this unit are not familiar at all?
Answer
2. Which vocabulary words in this unit are sort of familiar?
Answer
3. Which vocabulary words in this unit are really familiar?
Answer
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