APS - Algorithms (Lesson)

Algorithms

Where are Algorithms Found?

They are found all around us. In the last module, we learned the definition of an algorithm as a series of instructions or steps to solve a problem. But how do we learn to solve problems. Part of learning problem solving is patience and persistence. Learning problem solving is:

Thinking. Using existing knowledge. Using existing skills. Not being afraid to try and not succeed initially. Persistence. Asking questions. Sharing and collaboration. Willingness to listen and adapt. Willing to have small progress steps. Error checking.

When you write the steps to accomplish a particular task, all of this comes into play. The peanut butter and jelly jar needed to be opened, but many of us understood this as obvious knowledge and did not consider that someone never seeing a jar to open would not know how. Or opening a package of bread! If you have never seen the type of package, the person would use the knowledge that they had, existing knowledge. In this case they would get the package open, but not necessarily the way that you would have done it neatly taking off the twist tie or clip, preserving the wrapping.  

Everyone comes with their own skill set based on what they have learned and done in the past. We must remember, the computer comes without a skill set except for the items that have been programmed. As you continue to move to become a programmer, your skill set will grow. However, it will take persistence. There is always something new in programming and getting everything right the first time is rare. Each time you get more right, but each time there is a new puzzle to solve.

APCSP_SavingOurThoughts-1.pngSo let's first try solving a puzzle. Small algorithms allow us to begin learning to think successfully. Let's take putting a puzzle together as a beginning step. Go online and try some of the free rectangular puzzles.  Record how you determined where puzzle pieces went in a blog on your document labeled, Puzzle Algorithm. When you have completed your analysis of your steps, review the Steps to Puzzle Solving below.

Puzzle Solving Basic Steps for Rectangular Puzzles

Outside rim of the puzzle:

  1. Look for corner pieces (these have two straight sides).
  2. Are they sky or ground or other?
  3. Look for side pieces (have a straight edge).  
  4. Look for the in and out shape of the side piece and corner, the knobs and holes, for shape.
  5. Look for the color of the piece.
  6. Considering both step 4 and 5 group pieces and examine size of knobs in or out to see if they will hook together, if so hook them together.  
  7. Repeat steps 1 - 6 until 4 corners and all the sides are hooked together. Now is it easier to tell top from bottom?

Inside the puzzle:

  1. Organize pieces by color.
  2. Look for the in and out of the side piece and corner, for example, the shape.
  3. Look for the color of the piece.
  4. Considering both step 4 and 5 group pieces and examine size of knobs in or out to see if they will hook together, if so hook them together.  
  5. Repeat steps 1 - 4 until all puzzle pieces are hooked together.  

Solving a puzzle is creating an algorithm of thinking and adjusting for incorrect choices. Every piece that you try to hook together does not always work. Some are close, but the shape is just enough off.

Sometimes when creating a step process, an algorithm for the solution of a small portion of a large problem, step away, do something else, think away from the item, and then return later. A fresh start with a different perspective will provide new insight. Be willing to experiment to learn. Failing initially and succeeding later is learning.

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