Learning Objectives / Whāinga Ako

• Define what "decomposition" means in the context of computational thinking.

• Explain why breaking down problems is a useful strategy.

• Apply decomposition to break down everyday tasks and digital challenges.

• Understand that decomposition is the first step in creating solutions.

Getting Started / Whakataki (Prior Knowledge Required)

To get the most out of learning about Decomposition, it's helpful if you have a basic understanding of:

• End-User: Do you understand that digital technologies often solve problems for people? (Link to End-User page)

• Digital Ethics & Society: Have you thought about how complex issues in our world require careful consideration? (Link to Digital Ethics & Society page)

Quick Check: Imagine a giant LEGO set with thousands of pieces. Would you try to build the whole thing at once, or would you follow the instructions that break it into smaller steps? This idea is at the heart of decomposition!

What is Decomposition?

Decomposition (wāwāhi) is the process of breaking down a complex problem, system, or task into smaller, more manageable, and understandable parts. It's one of the four key pillars of computational thinking.

When you face a really big or overwhelming problem, it can be hard to know where to start. Decomposition helps by:

• Making the problem less daunting.

• Allowing you to focus on one small piece at a time.

• Making it easier to identify individual steps or sub-problems.

• Helping to divide work among a team.

Think of making a big school project: you don't just "do the project." You break it down into: research, planning, drafting, creating visuals, practicing presentation, etc. Each of those smaller tasks is easier to tackle.

How It Works / Me Pēhea te Mahi

Decomposition is a strategy you use all the time, even without realizing it. It's about breaking things down logically.

Example 1: Making a Peanut Butter Sandwich (Simple Daily Task)

If your "big problem" is "Make a peanut butter sandwich," you can decompose it into these smaller, sequential steps:

1. Get two slices of bread.

2. Get peanut butter.

3. Get a knife.

4. Open the peanut butter jar.

5. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread.

6. Close the peanut butter jar.

7. Put the two slices of bread together.

Each step is now simple and clear.

Example 2: Planning a School Fundraiser (More Complex Problem)

Let's say the big problem is "Organize a successful school fundraiser." You can decompose this into major sub-problems:

• Sub-Problem A: Event Planning

  • Choose a date and time.

  • Book a venue.

  • Decide on activities.

• Sub-Problem B: Budgeting & Fundraising

  • Estimate costs.

  • Set fundraising goals.

  • Find sponsors.

• Sub-Problem C: Marketing & Communication

  • Design posters.

  • Write announcements for school newsletter.

  • Create a social media campaign.

• Sub-Problem D: Volunteer Coordination

  • Recruit volunteers.

  • Assign roles.

  • Create a schedule.

Each of these sub-problems can then be decomposed further into even smaller tasks. This systematic breakdown helps ensure nothing is missed and makes the entire project manageable.

Assessment / Te Aromatawai

Check your understanding of Decomposition.

1. Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes decomposition in computational thinking?

   • a) Finding mistakes in a computer program.

   • b) Breaking a problem into smaller, manageable parts.

   • c) Repeating a set of instructions many times.

   • d) Hiding secret messages inside other messages.

2. Short Answer: Why is decomposition important when you're trying to solve a big, complex problem? Name at least two reasons.

3. Scenario: Your task is to bake a cake from a recipe.

   • How would you apply decomposition to this task?

   • Provide two examples of smaller tasks you would get from decomposing "baking a cake."

Key Takeaways / Mātauranga

• Decomposition (wāwāhi) is breaking a complex problem into smaller, simpler parts.

• It makes big problems less overwhelming and easier to solve.

• It's a foundational skill in computational thinking and design processes.

What's Next?

Now that you know how to break down complex problems, you're ready to learn how to put those smaller pieces into action and build solutions:

• Sequence: Once you've broken a problem into steps, the next logical step is to put those steps in the correct order.

• Algorithms: Learn how a set of precise, ordered steps (often created through decomposition) forms a complete solution.

• Design Process (Iterative Development): Decomposition is the vital first step in any design project – discover how this fits into the whole process of creating digital outcomes.

• Computer Program: Understand how breaking down a problem is essential before you can write code to solve it.

• Selection & Iteration: These are the key logical building blocks that you'll use within the smaller parts of your decomposed problem.

• Complexity and Tractability: Explore how breaking down a complex problem is crucial to finding a tractable (solvable in a reasonable time) solution.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Many AI problems are tackled by breaking them down into smaller, interconnected tasks.

Continue your journey by clicking on the links to these exciting topics!