Computational Thinking of

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Najah Carter
 NAJAH CARTER
Computational Thinking

• Computational thinking is the use of various skills to solve and/or view a

problem.

• Computational  Thinking consist of four pillars: Decomposition,

Abstraction, Pattern Recognition, and Algorithm.

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Decomposition

• Decomposition is the process of breaking down a task into smaller parts.

• For my lesson plan I used decomposition to break down the steps of

making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich into three key parts:

Preparation Construction Aftermath

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 Abstraction

NAJAH CARTER
• Abstraction is the process of focusing on what
is most important when solving a problem.

• I used abstraction to focus on the key steps in

making the sandwich, what would be needed,
how each thing will be used, and how
everything should come together.

• I did not focus on what brand of peanut

butter, jelly, or bread should be used because
that is not important to the process.

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Pattern Recognition

• Noticing reoccurring elements or things that repeat is called pattern

recognition

• Using a butter knife to apply the spread to each slice of bread is the key
pattern to the lesson.

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 Algorithm

NAJAH CARTER
Algorithms refer to the development of steps or
Stage Objective Time rules to follow to solve a problem.
Preparation Gather utensils 5 minutes
and ingredients My algorithms are the steps that will be taken
Construction Follow detailed 10-15 minutes to construct a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
instructions on
how to make the
sandwich
Aftermath Clean up 15-20 minutes
utensils and
ingredients used.
Reflect on the
steps taken to
prepare the
sandwich. Enjoy
sandwich

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PB & J Video

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Reflection

• The most challenging thing about this lesson plan was determining how I should approach it. Kids
today seem to be advanced in everything, however I had to realize that 3rd graders are still 8-year-
olds who need instructions.

• It was surprising seeing how computational thinking can be applied to a task as simple as making a
sandwich.

• This exercise helped me pick apart my lesson plan and establish a starting point. It also helped me
understand how often we use computational thinking skills in our daily life and in the
education field.

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References

• Images imported from Bing Pictures, 2023

• Miacademy Learning Channel (2022, July 22). How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich –
Life Skills for Kids! YouTube.
(57) How to Make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich - Life Skills for Kids! - YouTube

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