Context of the Standard

Many occupations and content areas use an iterative design process, including computer science and engineering.  In computer science, the development of programs uses an iterative design process involving design, implementation (programming), and review (debugging) until the program runs correctly. The design stage occurs before beginning to program. The planning stage is when the programmers gather information about the problem and sketch out a solution. This design process may include the use of pseudocode - writing out the steps of a program in English to make sure the flow of control and logic make sense. During the implementation stage, the planned design is expressed in a programming language (code) that can be made to run on a computing device. During the review stage, the design and implementation are checked for adherence to program requirements, correctness, and usability. This is the process of debugging discussed in 5.3. This review could lead to changes in implementation and possibly design, which demonstrates the iterative nature of the process.

Essential Skills

Essential Questions

Essential Vocabulary

Students should demonstrate these skills:

• Design a program using a planning tool.
• Review and revise a plan to better fit the needs of a task.
• Communicate how an iterative design process can improve an algorithm.

Students should investigate these concepts:

• Why is planning out a story or program an important part of the writing process?
• Why is reviewing and revising your work important?
• What kinds of jobs require the use of iterative problem solving?
• How do people in different careers use the iterative process?
• What is the value in making small, targeted, additions or changes to your algorithm rather than large changes?

Students should apply these terms in context:

• Planning tool
• Storyboard
• Pseudocode