Computational Thinking in Practice: An Experience with Blockly and Unplugged Activities in 5th Grade
Abstract
This paper reports on the implementation of Computational Thinking (CT) in 5th grade classes at Colégio Pedro II, using unplugged activities and block-based programming (Blockly). The methodology involved 151 students across three practical lessons focused on CT core concepts. Results demonstrated strong engagement with unplugged activities but significant difficulties with advanced concepts like conditionals in Blockly. The study concludes that while this approach is effective for CT introduction, it requires extended practice with basic concepts before tackling complex topics. The research provides a replicable model for elementary education.References
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Barr, Valerie, and Chris Stephenson. "Bringing computational thinking to K-12: What is involved and what is the role of the computer science education community?." ACM inroads 2.1 (2011): 48-54.
Brennan, Karen, and Mitchel Resnick. "New frameworks for studying and assessing the development of computational thinking." Proceedings of the 2012 annual meeting of the American educational research association, Vancouver, Canada. Vol. 1. 2012.
Brasil (2022). BNCC Computação — “Complemento. Ministério da Educação. Conselho Nacional de Educação”. Disponível em: [link]
Grover, Shuchi, and Roy Pea. "Computational thinking in K-12: A review of the state of the field." Educational researcher 42.1 (2013): 38-43.
Papert, Seymour. "Children, computers and powerful ideas." Harvester Press (Unitend Kingdom). DOI 10 (1980): 978-3.
RAABE, André L. A.; BRACKMANN, Christian P.; CAMPOS, Flávio R. Currículo de referência em tecnologia e computação: da educação infantil ao ensino fundamental.
São Paulo: CIEB, 2018. E-book em pdf Disponível em: [link]
Wing, Jeannette M. "Computational thinking." Communications of the ACM 49.3 (2006): 33-35.
Published
2025-07-20
How to Cite
ARAUJO, Fernanda Couto S.; FRANÇA, Juliana B. S..
Computational Thinking in Practice: An Experience with Blockly and Unplugged Activities in 5th Grade. In: WORKSHOP ON COMPUTING EDUCATION (WEI), 33. , 2025, Maceió/AL.
Anais [...].
Porto Alegre: Sociedade Brasileira de Computação,
2025
.
p. 918-926.
ISSN 2595-6175.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/wei.2025.8636.
