Computer science is an exciting field that the third and fourth grade students can't wait to get involved in! For the past few weeks, the students have been writing algorithms, and using code to write programs. Code Studio is a wonderful curriculum that allows students to work at their own pace as they learn the basics of coding. Students have worked in the lab and at home to complete the coding puzzles. They have been problem solving on their own, and collaborating to solve puzzles that require higher level solutions.
Coding is an exciting and rewarding challenge, but lacks hands-on excitement. The Sphero robots that were donated to the STEM Lab provide the hands on excitement that push the students to achieve the next level. Last week, the students got their first hands-on experience with the robots, and next week we will begin using the MacroLab App for Sphero to create simple programs to move the robot forward and back to the original location. The students will be experimenting with time, speed, and distance. It is going to be an exciting week!
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This week, the third and fourth graders are beginning to learn computer science. As they created algorithms and programs from drawings, they became problem solvers, used critical thinking skills, persistence, and logic. The students are at many different levels, and the course that we will be using will allow them to work at their own pace. Over the next few weeks, the students will develop basic programming skills, and will use the new Sphero robots to write their own programs using code. They cannot wait to get their hands on the computers and robots!
Synergy among groups is vital in order to find a solution successfully. This week, the students discussed and identified exactly what synergy is, and what they expect from each other as they work in groups this year. They agreed that synergy includes making a plan, listening to each other, taking turns, compromising, encouraging each other, and including everyone.
To practice and apply their synergizing skill, the classes worked in groups of five or six to construct Minecraft element cubes, and build the tallest tower. Many skills were necessary other than synergizing, it was quite a challenge! Each group was given 30 minutes to cut, fold, and glue their cubes. Next week, the groups will finish any last minutes fixes, and share their towers with the class. It was a productive 30 minutes, and harder than most of the students thought it would be! Precision and focused minds will definitely add to each group's success. |
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May 2017
AuthorMrs. Houseman-STEM Specialist Categories |