Computer Science
Last Updated 8/30/2023
Computer Science (K-5)
What is Computer Science? -
Computer scientists apply their knowledge of information theory and computation to computer systems. Computer scientists usually focus on theory while computer engineers focus on hardware. Areas of computer science include programming, software engineering, information theory, algorithms, databases and graphics.
The solution of many computer science problems may not even require the use of computers -- just pencil and paper. As a matter of fact, problems in computer science have been tackled decades before computers were even built. CS does involve coding, but it also involves much more.
Computer Science has become a student favorite class at Sawnee Elementary! Mrs. Rasher is sharing her tech knowledge with our kindergarten through 5th grade students. Students will meet, during their specials time, for a week long class 3 to 4 times a school year.
Students will learn about...
Digital Citizenship
Programming skills
Robotics - Ozobots, Spheros, Code & Go Mouse
Computer History
Computer Hardware and Software
Careers in Computer Science
Students will also have an opportunity to become familiar with the language and terms used in computer science. Students will have an opportunity to explore and have fun learning about computer science.
Computer Science (K-5)
Digital Citizenship
Digital Citizenship is about being safe online. Students will learn how to stay safe online by not providing personal information. Watch this video to learn what digital citizenship is all about!
Programming Skills
Coding is writing instructions for a computer to understand and follow. Students will do fun unplugged activities, as well as, learn programming basics. We teach Blockly - block based coding to students. Several of our older students will learn JavaScript and HTML5.
Students will learn about algorithms and practice writing step-by-step instructions for several fun activities.
Video - What are computers?
Video - BBC Learning - What is Code?
Video - Coding for Kids - What is coding for kids?
Video - (3rd - 5th) - Coding by a Kid for Kids
Video - BrainPop (3rd - 5th) - Binary
Binary Bracelets -
Binary is a machine language that computers use. Binary is a series of zeros and ones or offs and on. Zeros are offs and Ones are on. A fun way to show what you know about binary is to make binary bracelets. In our class, we will make binary bracelets based on the first letter of your name. We only do the first letter because one letter is 8 bits or 1 byte. We will use red beads for Offs and white beads for on. The students will receive a chart of capital letters with colored bits. They will find the letter of their first name, circle it and then copy the pattern in the squares at the bottom of the page. Next, students will place the beads in order of their letter pattern onto the pipe cleaner and twist to make a bracelet. The beads must be in the correct order, or they will not represent the first letter of their name.
Robotics and Coding -
We will introduce coding for robotics using OzoBots and Code and Go Mouse for younger students. We will also work on several robotic build projects including building a classroom droid as well as smaller individual projects. We will discuss machine learning and Advanced AI.
We will use OzoBots in our classroom. Watch this video to learn about OzoBots.
Video - LEGO Mindstorm Robots
Video - Honda's ASIMO Robot
Video - Advanced AI Robots
Computer History
They will learn about Charles Babbage and his difference engine and analytical engine. We will talk about women pioneers, like Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper. We'll learn about early computers like Colossus and ENIAC, and how computers have changed over the years.
Watch this video - Who invented computers?
Watch this video - How a Laptop is Made!
Watch this video - Technology 1 Vocabulary!
Computer Hardware and Software
These are some of our favorite days because we get to open up computers and look inside! We have a rack mounted server, desktop computer and laptop that we will open and discuss parts.
We will learn about the differences between hardware vs software. Students will learn about computer terms like RAM, hard drive, motherboard, CPU, GPU. They will know what a power supply does and why we need a motherboard. We will also talk about transistors. A transistor is a tiny switch that is activated by the electronic signals it receives. The digits 1 and 0 used in binary reflect the on and off states of a transistor.
Kindergarten will learn about the basic parts of the computer and peripherals.
Careers in Computer Science and Exploring Computers, Coding and Robotics, 3D Modeling
The last week students meet in Computer Science we will review all of the computer concepts we've learned throughout the year. We hope to continue coding projects, and robotics.
