Learning Objectives / Whāinga Ako

Supports CT Progress Outcome 1

• Define what "decomposition" means.

• Explain why breaking down big jobs into smaller steps is helpful.

• Use decomposition skills to break down simple, everyday tasks.

• Demonstrate understanding of how to decompose a simple non-computerised task.

Getting Started / Whakataki (Prior Learning Required)

To get the most out of learning about Decomposition, it's essential to have a clear understanding of:

• End-User (CL1-2): Do you understand that digital devices are made for people to use, and they help people do things?

Quick Check: Imagine you have a very big puzzle with many pieces. Would you try to put all the pieces together at once, or would you try to find all the edge pieces first? Thinking about the edge pieces is a bit like decomposition!

What is Decomposition?

Decomposition is the skill of taking a big problem or a big job and breaking it down into smaller, simpler, and easier-to-manage parts.

Think of it like eating a big pizza: You don't try to eat the whole pizza at once! You break it down into slices. Each slice is a smaller, easier part to handle.

In Digital Technologies, we use decomposition all the time. When we want to make a computer do something, or design a new app, the task can seem very big. Decomposition helps us make it manageable.

How It Works / Me Pēhea te Mahi

Decomposition helps us solve problems by making them less scary and more achievable. Here's how it works:

1. First, you identify the main task or problem you want to solve.

   • Example: Making a peanut butter sandwich.

2. Then, you think about all the smaller steps you need to do to complete that big job.

   • Example: To make a peanut butter sandwich, you need to:

     • Get bread.

     • Get peanut butter.

     • Get a knife.

     • Open the peanut butter.

     • Spread peanut butter on bread.

     • Put bread together.

3. Sometimes, a "small step" might still be too big. You can break it down even further!

   • Example: "Spread peanut butter on bread" could be broken down into:

     • Put knife into peanut butter jar.

     • Scoop peanut butter onto knife.

     • Spread peanut butter from knife onto bread.

By breaking down tasks, you make it easier to think about each part, plan what to do, and find any mistakes. This is a core skill for algorithmic thinking (CT PO1).

Assessment / Te Aromatawai

This section is your opportunity to demonstrate your overall understanding of Decomposition (CL1-2), as required by the Progress Outcomes.

Task: Choose one everyday task that you do (e.g., packing your school bag, making your bed, feeding a pet).

Activity: Create a short report (e.g., 1 page in Google Docs) or a simple presentation (e.g., 2-3 slides in Google Slides) that:

1. Clearly names the big everyday task.

2. Breaks down this big task into at least 5 simple, clear steps.

3. Explains why breaking down this task makes it easier to understand or do.

Why this assessment helps: This assesses your ability to use decomposition skills to break down a simple non-computerised task into precise, step-by-step instructions (CT PO1).

Evidence: Submit your Google Doc report or Google Slide presentation to Google Classroom as instructed by your kaiako.

Key Takeaways / Mātauranga

• Decomposition is breaking a big job into smaller, easier parts.

• It helps us understand and solve problems.

• Each smaller part is easier to think about and do.

What's Next?

Now that you know how to break down big jobs, you're ready to learn about putting those smaller steps in the right order and finding mistakes:

• Sequence (CL1-2): Learn about the importance of putting steps in the correct order.

• Debugging (CL1-2): Discover how to find and fix mistakes in your instructions.

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