B1 Computational thinking
For the new IB Diploma Computer Science syllabus to start teaching in August 2025, and for first examinations in May 2027.
Unit and lesson overviews will be gradually published as developed.
- Lesson 1: Problem specification
- Lesson 2: Computational thinking concepts & application
- Lesson 3: Trace flowcharts
- Lesson 4: Review
Lesson 1: Problem specification
B1.1.1 Construct a problem specification.
- The specification of a problem may include a problem statement, constraints and limitations, objectives and goals, input specifications, output specifications, evaluation criteria.
Lesson 2: Computational thinking concepts & application
B1.1.2 Describe the fundamental concepts of computational thinking.
- Abstraction, algorithmic design, decomposition, pattern recognition
B1.1.3 Explain how applying computational thinking to fundamental concepts is used to approach and solve problems in computer science.
- Computational thinking does not necessarily involve programming—it is a toolkit of available techniques for problem-solving.
- Real-world examples may include software development, data analysis, machine learning, database design, network security.
Lesson 3: Trace flowcharts
B1.1.4 Trace flowcharts for a range of programming algorithms.
- Use of standard flowchart symbols to depict processes, decisions and flows of control
- Standard flowchart symbols: Connector, Decision, Flowline, Input/Output, Process/Operation, Start/End
- Flowcharts for execution flow, to track changes in variables and to determine output