Changing Landscape of Computer Science
From April 2019 to Present
Embedded Files
On April 30, 2019, East Union Elementary School was honored to accept one of the first six Iowa Governor's STEM Council's "Computer Science is Elementary" Awards. From that day on, the landscape of instruction, engagement, and community involvement has evolved in a variety of ways!
East Union Computer Science Team members Robin McNutt, Joan Gordon, Lori Paup, and Marcus Patten are joined by Governor Kim Reynolds after the CSE Award recipients were announced at the 2019 Governor's Future Ready Iowa Summit.
Year 1: The Transformation Begins
2019 - 2020
Without a doubt, East Union Elementary students understand how to use technology. The school has boasted 1:1 devices for many years, and students have little trouble navigating applications; in fact, students often show teachers new features! HOWEVER, before the advent of Computer Science instruction, the "how" and the "why" of technology received minimal attention. The CSTA standards were relatively unknown, and coding was something that was briefly explored during Computer Science Education Week in December.
Instruction and Curriculum
The transformation from the "what" to the "why" and "how" began immediately in the fall of 2019 with fourth and fifth grade students. A modified, departmentalized schedule, a teacher with a love for technology, and the CSE Award funds were the main ingredients for the successful initiation of DAILY Computer Science instruction for ALL fourth and fifth grade students.
Curricular resources included Code.org, Kodable, Scratch, and Tynker, along with lessons gleaned from CSunplugged. To allow students access to robotic devices prior to selecting materials for purchase using CSE Award funds, the teacher utilized the Green Hills AEA Medianet online catalog to access Beebots, Bluebots, Ozobots, Osmos, and Spheros.
The Computer Science Teachers' Association's standards were used to develop lessons in a mostly stand-alone format. Curricular mapping was initiated using Rubicon Atlas.
Professional Development
As the 2019-2020 school year opened, teachers were introduced to the CSE project and were able to explore devices and coding sites during scheduled PD days. The CSE Team participated in the STEM CSE Institute, and also visited Loess Hills Elementary in Sioux City. The seeds of interest were quickly planted and began to grow!
Computer Science Education Week
In December of 2019, a preview of East Union Elementary's expansion of CS instruction took place as fourth and fifth grade students visited transitional kindergarten through third grade classrooms to share their knowledge of Computer Science and also to participate in Hour of Code.
Community Partnerships and Engagement
During the first year of the project, community partnerships were established with over 70 colleges, businesses, organizations, and individuals. It seemed that everyone was interested in East Union's Computer Science initiative! Some partners visited the classrooms and our school to share their expertise, helping students make connections to their current learning and their future college and career choices. Others, such as Iowa Public Television, were accessed via online presentations.
The Closure
Spring of 2020
When students and staff members left for Spring Break on March 12, 2020, little did they know that they would not be together again until August. Throughout the last nine weeks of the 2019-2020 school year, East Union Elementary continued to offer optional instruction for all students. This included access to Computer Science lessons through the "Eagle E-Learning" website.
Meanwhile, teachers did not waver from their own pursuit of learning. Nearly half of the elementary staff members completed Drake University's "Computer Science in the Elementary Classroom" during the summer of 2020. This rigorous course aided understanding of ways that CS can be integrated into other Core subject area lessons, and laid a foundation for the expansion of CS instruction to all elementary grade levels: Computer Science in the Elementary Classroom: Drake Registration Page.
Year 2: Holding Our Own
2020 - 2021
COVID restrictions may have slowed progress on the CSE project, but these barriers did not stop quality instruction from prevailing. Throughout the 2020-2021 school year, fourth and fifth grade students continued to receive daily CS instruction, Computer Science Education Week was celebrated, and teachers received in-house professional development. East Union Elementary even received a visit from Governor Reynolds as a stop on her 99 Counties Tour, and also to discuss the CSE project. As the year drew to a close, the Computer Science Team met in June to make plans for the 2021-2022 school year...and once again, the vision would become reality!
Members of the East Union Computer Science Team meet with Governor Reynolds during Year 2 of the CSE project.
THANK YOU, GOVERNOR REYNOLDS and the IOWA GOVERNOR'S STEM COUNCIL for EXTENDING the PROJECT to a THIRD YEAR!
Year 3: Computer Science for ALL: The Vision Becomes a Reality!
2021 - 2022
By Year 3, the fourth and fifth grade curriculum with units and lessons for daily instruction are firmly established. The time has come for expansion, and now ALL East Union students are receiving Computer Science instruction! Meanwhile, professional development continues to occur for all teachers, and CS Team representatives are working with secondary teachers to develop a TK-12 Computer Science Plan. Relationships with community partners have been re-established, and community engagement is being fostered through Family Learning Events. The project has regained its momentum...the landscape is forever changing!
All teachers, including guests from another school district, participate in pre-service PD.
The CS Team attends the STEM Council's Fall Gathering for a day of learning and networking.
A fifth grade student presents information during the November CSE Family Event.
Collaborative learning is evident as teachers practice coding with Ozobots during PD.
The East Union PTO joins our growing list of community partners.
Students teach parents and guests how to code during the November CSE Family Event.
Computational thinking takes place in first grade, while fourth grade mentors observe.
Fifth graders assist kindergartners during a CS lesson, with guidance from teachers.
April 2022: Brian Aspinall visits East Union Elementary for two days of learning and a Family Literacy and STEM Event.
Instruction and Curriculum
For students in transitional kindergarten through grade three, weekly CS classes are scheduled. When it is time for Computer Science, the younger students are joined by a class of fourth or fifth grade students, who serve as CS coaches while Mrs. Robin McNutt teaches the lesson. A paraeducator also attends these classes to assist students as needed. General education teachers are expected to remain engaged in a co-teaching format; this becomes an opportunity for embedded professional development to occur.
Mrs. McNutt has written lesson plans for TK-3 teachers to deliver on alternating weeks. This way, all teachers are able to experience CS instruction that supports both stand alone and integrated learning.
Professional Development
Pre-service professional development included familiarizing teachers with newly purchased devices: Beebots, Ozobots, and Osmos. Teachers also spent time reviewing the CSTA standards to better understand the scope of CS instruction at the TK-5 levels.
In September, CS Team members attended SCRIPT training with colleagues from the middle and high school. The purpose was to develop a TK-12 plan for CS instruction as required by House File 2629.
Computer Science Education Week
At East Union Elementary, EVERY week is Computer Science Education Week! Nevertheless, students did recognize the week of December 6 - 10 with an opening assembly on Monday and some special activities throughout the week. All students participated in Hour of Code. CSE Week underscores the current reality: East Union Elementary is truly a Computer Science School!
Community Partnerships and Engagement
Reconnecting with community partners is a major goal for the 2021-2022 school year. The list is impressive! Community and family engagement is being re-established through two major events, one in November, and the other in April. In November, Computer Science was the primary focus, and in April, the integration of CS with other Core subject areas will be explored.
Beyond Year 3
2022 to Infinity!
Plans are being made to sustain East Union Elementary's status as a Computer Science School. As history has taught us, there is no way to predict the changes that will result in the evolution of education. But, the basic premises of Computer Science will serve students well not matter what the future holds.
Please visit the "Next Steps" and "Sustainability" pages of the blueprint for more information:
Page updated
Report abuse