CS Unplugged · University of Canterbury · Practical guide

Computational Thinking and CS Unplugged

An educator-oriented explanation of problem decomposition and algorithmic thinking with activities beyond a particular robot brand.

Source text reviewed October 27, 2026. Study notes and exercises are written by botstest.

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Where to start

Start with the problem-solving concepts and use the activity links appropriate to the learners.

Use it in your project

Ask a learner to describe, test and revise a sequence that another person can follow.

Scope and limitations

A general computing-education reference, not a hardware manual or a validated robotics curriculum for every age.

Follow a related roadmap

Teach a first coding and robotics course · Beginner →

Read: Start with the problem-solving concepts and use the activity links appropriate to the learners.

Use decomposition and explanation to assess learner reasoning as well as the finished activity.

Produce: Turn a short movement sequence into a prediction exercise and collect learner explanations.

Teach a first coding and robotics course · Professional →

Read: Start with the problem-solving concepts and use the activity links appropriate to the learners.

Use decomposition and explanation to assess learner reasoning as well as the finished activity.

Produce: Write a rubric that assesses decomposition, explanation and revision alongside the final behavior.

Choose a coding robot and plan the first activities · Beginner →

Read: Start with the problem-solving concepts and use the activity links appropriate to the learners.

Use decomposition and explanation to assess learner reasoning as well as the finished activity.

Produce: Choose a short explainable activity and identify how a learner will predict and revise its sequence.

Choose a coding robot and plan the first activities · Professional →

Read: Start with the problem-solving concepts and use the activity links appropriate to the learners.

Use decomposition and explanation to assess learner reasoning as well as the finished activity.

Produce: Have the learner write a challenge someone else can follow and explain one revision after testing.