GRADE 4

Soft / Sewable Circuits

We designed soft circuits with conductive thread, LEDs, batteries, and felt. First, we sketched out designs in Google Slides. Next, we cut out felt pieces. Then, we sewed our soft circuits. A few guests visited our classroom to help us with our sewing: Ms. Sophia, Ms. Flo, and Ms. V. Thank you to the volunteers who joined us for this project!

Paper Circuits

We used LEDs, copper tape, and coin batteries to create cards that light up.

Compressed Code

We practiced using binary code along with a compressed version of the code to make black and white images. We also used a widget on code.org to compress song lyrics. We realized that we could compress our binary code most easily when we had multiple pixels in a row that are the same color.

Connections Between Weaving and Computing 

We explored the influence that a mechanical weaving system from hundreds of years ago had on the development of computers. Here's how a Jacquard loom works. Ada Lovelace was inspired by the Jacquard loom to write what are considered to be the first computer programs. All weaving patterns, whether they are from a Jacquard loom or not, involve over and under movements.

We used potholder looms to weave our own binary patterns with two colors (e.g., over and under). Many of us chose basket weaves (and we realized that we had a harder time finishing the edges as we took them off the looms). A plain weave worked better for our looms and materials. 

Engineering Scribble Bots

We engaged in some creative engineering by creating scribble bots using plastic cups, motors, battery packs, switches, hot glue, tape, and markers. A scribble bot works as a motor and spinning arm placed on the side of the bot's body cause it to rock back and forth, moving erratically. When you uncap the markers that make up its legs, it draws patterns.

We also discussed an important theme in science and technology: What happens when we design something that we are not able to control or fully understand how it works? Frankenstein's monster is an example in literature.

Binding Books

In Ms. Kessler's class, we wrote books about animal adaptations on Google Slides. In the Wildcat Workshop, we printed out the books with the color printer and used the comb binding machine to create books.

Digital Citizenship Videos

On virtual learning days due to snow, we watched videos about being good digital citizens and discussed the videos with someone in our family.

Pixel Art with Perler Beads

We started making our own pixel art with melty plastic beads. First, we selected images that we could sample and still make out what the pixelated version was. We realized that it takes a lot of bits to encode complex images. Then, we began creating physical representations of our pixel art. We realized it takes us a longer time than we predicted to encode things by hand even if there’s a limited set of pixels. We had to do lots of counting using the grids we created!

Binary Code Bracelets

We discussed how our computing devices use common code sequences in binary (8 bits or 8 zeroes or ones = 1 byte) for things like letters of the alphabet. A common example is the ASCII system. We wrote out binary code for our initials using ASCII. Then, we made two-color (binary) bracelets for our initials.

Creating Colors with Binary Code

We discussed how three LEDs that are the colors red, green, and blue (RGB) can be used to produce a lot of different colors. This involves turning some lights on and others off. Or making some brighter than others. We can control which LEDs are on and off using 1s and 0s, too!

We used the pixel widget in code.org to make different colors. We also tried to recreate some images in color using 6 bit codes, 2 bits for red, green, and blue each. We could make 64 colors using 6 bits.

Laser Cutting Geometric Designs Created with Coded Loops

We’ve continued thinking about patterns and code. We created geometric designs using repeat, move, and turn blocks to tell our digital turtles what to draw in Turtle Stitch. Then, we used our laser cutter to carve our designs into wooden medallions.

Creating Spin Art with LEGO Robotics

We used our WeDo LEGO robotics kits to build spin art devices. To build the device, we used instructions with images. Then, we used the WeDo app to control the spin of the motor.

Coding Loops with Sphero Indi

We did some coding with Sphero Indi and color cards to create an algorithm in which the robot doesn't stop. This repeated pattern is a loop.

Staying Safe and Kind on the Internet

We learned about digital citizenship with Interland, by discussing digital citizenship scenarios, and from a guest speaker from the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General.

Genius Hour

We kicked off Genius Hour. Students have opportunities throughout the year to design and complete projects of their choosing. Schools across the world implement Genius Hour programs to support students in pursuing their own interests and explore their passions. The Wildcat Workshop, with its materials and emphasis on civic and creative uses of digital technologies, is a perfect space for this kind of activity.