Skip to content

    Computational Thinking + Complex Tinkering

    Identify, define, and solve a variety of problems by applying logic, creativity, and systems thinking while working in both digital and physical spaces.

    About this Workshop

    Campus: Wellesley College | Rising Grades: 10,11,12

    Computational thinking combines the physical and digital world, and explores the possibilities of using computers as problem-solving tools to create imaginative experiences. This course is an introduction to algorithms, basic data structures, and programming techniques across various platforms. Begin by programming a robot to create art in real life. Examine new pieces of code and collaborate to figure out what they can do. Working as part of a small team, tackle a variety of challenges involving artistic endeavors, questions of probability, and large-scale models. Use computers to solve puzzles and challenge your friends to games of your own design. See how to translate an idea into a physical prototype using fabrication tools. Finally, work to build unique, interactive experiences that bring the world of complex tinkering to the larger EXPLO community as part of an installation at the end-of-session art show. Note: This course is appropriate for students of all levels, including those who are new to coding; experienced coders will be given specific opportunities to expand their skill sets.

    Highlights

    Think Like a Computer Scientist
    Practice how computer scientists define and solve problems and apply your own creativity to the solutions.

    Transferable Skills
    Connect the many applications of computational thinking outside of computer science and apply algorithmic thinking and logic to facilitate problem-solving and decision-making.

    Build Puzzles + Games
    Challenge your peers to solve puzzles and games of your own design.

    Fabrication
    Use the engineering design process to translate ideas into prototypes by writing mechanical scripts for creation.