Learning the Basics in Kindergarten
Students learned how commands are issued and followed in a variety of ways. We kicked off our Code event with an interactive story. With the help of the Smart Board, interactive software, and some carefully programmed tools and sound effects, students followed "commands" in the book, Press Here. They then tried their skills at building a program using Legos, working in Programmer/Computer pairs to see if their commands could direct the "computer" to a secret location. Not an easy first step for our youngest computer users, but it was wonderful to see how engaged they were and how quickly they grasped the concepts.
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Turtle Robots
Students in grades K-2 had the opportunity to test their computer programmings kills on our giant Turtle Robot game board. The goal, aside from getting them excited about programming, was to teach the basics of programming, stringing commands together to help their turtle robot make it to the energy jewel. As they built their skills obstacles were added, new commands were "unlocked," and debugging skills were tested. The game was great fun, and truly challenged the kids to work as a team to think strategically and problem solve as a group. Plus, the super cool robot turtle backpacks Mrs. Baird made for the game were a HUGE hit!!!
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Code Writing on the Computers
Be sure to check out the links available on our Hour of Code page to see exactly what the kids in every grade have been up to. Go into their assigned course by clicking their class name to check out their progress or pick a new site/activity to explore coding together.
Lego WeDo
Students in 3rd grade will continue to explore programming in January using Lego WeDo, another application that uses visual blocks to create programs. With the help of a specially designed USB hub control, sensors and motors receive power and data from the computer, making all kinds of amazing things happen with their Lego creations.
Special thanks to the Hanover Foundation for Educational Enrichment (HFEE) and the PTA for purchasing these materials for our school!!! |