Elements	Definition	Example
Data Collection	The process of gathering appropriate information.	Students develop a survey and collect both qualitative and quantitative data to answer the question: “has global warming changed the quality of life?”
Data Analysis	Making sense of data, finding patterns, and drawing conclusions.	Use appropriate statistical method that will best test the hypothesis: “global warming has not changed the quality of life.”
Data Representation	Depicting and organizing data in appropriate graphs, charts, words, or images.	Groups of students represent the same data in different ways based on a position relating to the question: “Has global warming changed the quality of life?” Different representations may result in varying conclusions.
Problem Decomposition	Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable parts.	Consider the large-scale problem: “What does it take to become a rock star?” Break it into smaller parts. Discuss what variables are within a student’s control and what variables are determined by outside factors.
Abstraction	Reducing complexity to define main idea.	After studying a period in history, identify symbols, themes, events, key people, and values that are most representative of the time period (e.g., coat of arms).
Algorithm & Procedures	Series of ordered steps taken to solve a problem or achieve some end.	Discuss the decision-making process for choosing a college, then create an algorithm that describes that process. The algorithm will be able to handle unknown variables, such as where friends are attending, availability of financial aid, and admission success, to come to an unambiguous decision.
Automation	Having computers or machines do repetitive or tedious tasks.	Debate the merits of learning skills and information that are rarely necessary today because of automation. These skills might include long division, deriving square roots, spelling, statistical formulas, memorizing historic dates, etc.
Simulation	Representation or model of a process. Simulation also involves running experiments using models.	Create a spreadsheet to simulate the “Birthday Problem” (How many people must in a room for there to be at least a 50% chance that at least two have the same birthday?). Use the same model to answer the question for three people having the same birthday.
Parallelization	Organize resources to simultaneously carry out tasks to reach a common goal.	Describe the sequence of activities by each of the armies leading to the Battle of Waterloo. Include both physical activities (e.g., recruit troops) and intellectual activities (e.g., pick troop positions).