GRADE 4

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.

Binary Code Explorations

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.

We continued to explore how binary code allows computers to store and share information. To think about how binary code can be used to encode numbers, we compared decimal (base-10) versus binary (base-2) number systems. When students finished editing the slideshow to show that they understood how to convert between the two number systems, they played an online game to practice further.

We used a pixel widget in code.org to make black & white images using binary code (0s and 1s). We realized that we needed to set the width and height of our images before making them. We also realized that the more bits of information we used (that is, the smaller the square samples were), the clearer the digital image became.

We started making our own black and white pixel art with binary code (0s and 1s).

We began thinking about color images. 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.

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!

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.

Genius Hour

We kicked off Genius Hour. Students in grades 4-8 have opportunities during their Digital Literacy classes 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.

Science Fair, NSBE Jr. and Robotics Clubs

Students participating in after school clubs in the Wildcat Workshop worked on the following tasks and projects:

• Science fair members developed independent science research projects for the Carver Science Fair.

• Members of the jr. chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) helped to plan and facilitate Math Night. They also learned from guest speakers about architecture (Miles's dad) and engineering, and took a field trip to the Fairmount Water Works.

• Robotics team members built rovers and solved mission challenges. They were supported by Digital Service Fellows, Penn Engineers, and parent volunteers. In December, we participated in a FIRST LEGO League Challenge event at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy.