Computational Thinking in Introductory Physics

Computational Thinking (CT) is still a relatively new term in the lexicon of learning objectives and science standards. There is not yet widespread agreement on the precise definition or implementation of CT, and efforts to assess CT are still maturing, even as more states adopt K-12 computer science standards. In this article we will try to summarize what CT means for a typical introductory (i.e. high school or early college) physics class. This will include a discussion of the ways that instructors may already be incorporating elements of CT in their classes without knowing it. Our intention in writing this article is to provide a helpful, concise and readable introduction to this topic for physics instructors. We also put forward some ideas for what the future of CT in introductory physics may look like.