Lesson 1. Thinking Abstractly

Lesson Objective

Define abstraction and explain its nature.
Understand the need for abstraction in computational thinking.
Differentiate between an abstraction and reality.
Devise abstract models for real-world situations.

Lesson Notes

Abstraction

Abstraction is the process of removing unnecessary details to focus on the essential features of a problem or system..

It simplifies complex systems, making them easier to understand and work with.

Abstraction is a fundamental concept in computational thinking. It allows us to manage complexity by focusing on what is important and ignoring irrelevant details.

Example:.

A car dashboard is an abstraction.

It shows speed, fuel level, and engine temperature but hides the complex mechanics of the car.

Nature of Abstraction

Abstraction involves identifying patterns, generalising, and simplifying.

It is a mental model that represents a system or problem in a way that is easier to understand.

The Need for Abstraction

To manage complexity: Real-world systems are often too complex to understand in their entirety.

To improve efficiency: Focusing on essential details saves time and resources.

To enable problem-solving: Abstraction helps break down problems into manageable parts.

Abstraction Vs Reality

An abstraction is a simplified representation of reality.

It focuses on essential features and ignores irrelevant details.

Reality is complex and includes all details, whether relevant or not.

Devising Abstract Models

What is an abstract model?

A simplified representation of a system or problem, focusing on essential features.

Steps to devise an abstract model:

Identify the problem or system.
Determine the purpose of the model.
Identify the essential features.
Remove unnecessary details.
Represent the model in a clear and understandable way.

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