Computer Science
Grade 1
20 min
What is Logical Thinking?
Understand that logical thinking is about making decisions based on facts.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the first, middle, and last step in a simple sequence.
Follow a two or three-step algorithm to complete a task.
Use 'if...then' thinking to make a simple choice.
Recognize a simple repeating pattern (like ABAB).
Explain why order is important for tasks like getting dressed.
Create their own simple sequence of steps for a daily activity.
Have you ever built a tower with blocks? 🧱 You have to put the blocks in the right order!
We will learn to think in steps, just like a computer. This helps us solve problems and give clear instructions.
Real-World Applications
Getting dressed in the morning 👕
Following a recipe to make a snack 🥪
Playing a board game with rules 🎲
Lining up for recess 🚶♀️🚶♂️
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Logical Thinking 🤔Thinking in steps that make sense and are in the right order.You put on your socks *before* you put on your shoes.
Sequence ➡️A list of steps that happen one after another.First, get the bread. Second, get the jelly. Third, spread it.
Algorithm 📜A set of instructions to finish a task.The steps to brush your teeth is an algorithm.
Rule 🚦A special instruction that you must always follow.The rule in a game might be 'You must roll a 6 to start'.
If...Then ❓A way to make a choice. If one thing is true, then you do something.IF it is raining, THEN I will take my umbrella ☔.
Pattern 🎨Something that repeats over and over again.A pattern of fruits: Apple 🍎, Banana 🍌, Apple 🍎, Banana 🍌.
3
Core Syntax & Patterns
The First Step Rule
Always start at the beginning.
To get something right, you must do the very first step first.
The Order Rule
One step at a time, in the right order.
Computers can only do one thing at a time. We must give them steps in order.
The If/Then Choice Rule
IF [something is true], THEN [do an action].
This helps a computer make a choice based on a rule.
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
To get ready for school, you must: 1. Eat breakfast, 2. Get dressed, 3. Brush teeth, 4. Put on shoes. Which two steps can you switch the order of and still be logical?
A.Put on shoes and Get dressed
B.Eat breakfast and Get dressed
C.Brush teeth and Eat breakfast
D.Put on shoes and Eat breakfast
Challenging
Group 1 has a ball, an orange, and a clock face. Group 2 has a book, a door, and a piece of paper. What is the logical rule for things in Group 1?
A.They are all things you can eat.
B.They are all round.
C.They are all toys.
D.They are all yellow.
Challenging
A robot's only rule is: 'If a toy is red, pick it up.' On the floor are a red ball, a blue car, and a red fire truck. What will the robot do?
A.Pick up only the red ball.
B.Pick up nothing because it is confused.
C.Pick up the red ball and the red fire truck.
D.Pick up all three toys.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free