In the Tech Classroom


April Enrichment News Flash!!

This month, we are using Lego Spike Essentials to build animal alarms! We also have special viewing sessions scheduled for grades 1-6 for the 2024 Solar Eclipse: Solar Eclipse Resources 

February/March Enrichment News Flash!!

This month, we got creative while learning about engineering and coding!  Using Lego Spike Essentials, students built robotic snowmobiles and programmed them to complete challenges, fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.  It was a blast to see their imaginations come to life!

Scratch Dance Party Grades 1-3

Get ready to boogie! This month, we used Scratch to throw a virtual dance party.  Kids learned coding essentials by programming characters to move, jump, and spin, making the fun of coding come alive!  It was a fantastic way to spark their creativity and love of learning.

Here is a link to the assignment: 1st thru 3rd Dance Party 

Here are links to some of the best dances (Click on either name below or picture on the left): 

Olivia's Dance Party 2nd Grade

Brooks's Dance Party 2nd Grade 

(Click on the Green Flag in the Projects to see the Animations working!)


 


Technology should be fun and engage students!

Enrichment

Technology enrichment at Cougar Run Elementary School refers to the incorporation of digital tools and resources into the curriculum to enhance students' learning experiences. It aims to foster 21st-century skills by teaching students how to use technology responsibly, creatively, and effectively as a tool for research, communication, and problem-solving, while also providing opportunities for hands-on, interactive learning.

We have been using Code-n-Go Mice and Ozobots for hands-on coding in the classroom.

So far, in the 2023-2024 school year, lessons for Enrichment have included: Robot self-introductions, Intro to Algorithms with Code-n-go Mouse, Intro to Algorithms with Ozobots, Ozobots - Sequencing and Loops, and Ozobot - Block Coding. Key terminology learned (Algorithms, Bug, Sequence, Loop, Code, Program)

Technology lessons in the classroom and Tech Lab

Kindergarten to 6th-grade students have the opportunity to work on some of the following weekly:



November Enrichment 

Grades 4th through 6th competed with Ozobots in the RFL (Robot Football League) or developed a half-time show performance. Students were able to compete head-to-head or in small teams, learning problem-solving and logic in a fun and engaging way. Grades 1 through 3 were learning how to block code an Ozobot using their Chromebooks and developed dance routines.

December Enrichment 

In December we coded like crazy enjoying the many activities provided by the “Hour of Code”, a worldwide event that happens between December 4-10, 2023. This global movement empowers students to explore the wonders of coding in just one hour – a fun and accessible experience that sparks creativity, problem-solving, and a lifelong love for technology. Here at Cougar Run, we explored many activities throughout the month. To find out more check out the official site here: Hour of Code

For younger students (Grades K-1) we completed Hour of Code activities in Kodable and that information can be found here: Kodable Hour of Code 

January Enrichment

Students in grades 1-6 learned about the engineering development process. The process is a series of steps used to solve problems and can be used for so many applications. Whether our kids use it to make world-changing products or just adjust their daily routine, it's important to learn that problem-solving is a process and change rarely happens on the first try. The record for pennies held over a 6-inch gap with a single sheet of paper used for materials is 347, currently held by Lily and Maci from Mr. Aerenson's 4th-grade class. 

Our Kindies are exploring stem activities related to their classroom curriculum related to force and motion.