GRADE 1

May 2023

We read about a student named Iqbal and his science fair experiment with solar ovens. His goal was to create a safer and more environmentally friendly oven for his family. Then, we used a Google Image search to look for solar oven design ideas. We sketched our designs and built them using cardboard, aluminum foil, black paper, tape, and other materials.

We also checked out some tutorials (here and here) and practiced using the alignment tool in Tinkercad to help us design cookie cutters.

We used the black and white pixel widget in code.org to create designs using binary code (only 0s and 1s). Some of us tried to create images of food.

We listened to a story about how the Haudenosaunee plant corn, beans, and squash together. Each of the “three sisters” helps the others is some way. We sketched and built models of how the sisters grow together.

We practiced using event listeners in Scratch to make a taco sprite move left, right, up, and down. We had to incorporate move and rotate coding blocks to make the movements work.

We continued exploring how to design in 3D using Tinkercad and FUSE Studios Sculpt. We tried to design foods we like!

We practiced sequencing and creating a program using Kubo robots. Students created a set of steps for the robot to follow. Then, they ran the programs with Kubo on the neighborhood map.

February 2023

We explored how to design in 3D using Tinkercad and FUSE Studios Sculpt. Students were especially excited to learn how to use Sculpt to make cats.

Some students also worked on 3D designs using LEGOs. We added some of the designs to the LEGO wall in the Wildcat Workshop.

Some students in Ms. Q's class have been practicing using the trackpad or computer mouse to complete digital puzzles and coloring pages. They have also practiced typing color and weather words. Some students have also  been practicing typing their letters using Letter Leaper and keyboard pop-its.

January 2023

We explored how to use if/then statements to check for where a sprite is positioned on the screen in Scratch and then do something if the sprite is too far to one side. Another way to say this is to check the x position of the sprite. We used change backdrop and go to blocks to make it look like the sprite was running through multiple locations.

We discussed what kinds of things we'd need to tell a sprite to do if we wanted it to move around the screen in Scratch and bounce at the edges. First, we'd need to tell it to move. Second, we'd need to make sure that it kept moving using a loop (a forever or repeat block in Scratch). Third, we'd need the sprite to check to see if it was at the edge of the screen, and if so, bounce. (Thankfully, Scratch provides us with an if on edge, bounce block!) Once we coded one sprite, then we created additional sprites and modified our programs further.

We made graphs in Google Slides, which allowed us to practice other skills: changing cell colors in a table and copying/pasting images with keyboard shortcuts.

We practiced drawing and formatting shapes (size, fill color, border color, rotation) in Google Slides by creating foods we like to eat. We also practiced using the shapes we created multiple times by copying and pasting them.

December 2022

We practiced drawing and formatting shapes and lines (size, fill color, border color, rotation) in Google Slides. We tried to recreate some of the illustrations in a book called Growing Vegetable Soup. We also learned about changing the order of shapes, which determines if a shape is on top of another one.

We practiced drawing and formatting shapes and lines (size, fill color, border color, rotation) in Google Slides. We tried to recreate some of the illustrations in a book called Growing Vegetable Soup. We also learned about changing the order of shapes, which determines if a shape is on top of another one.

We kicked off Computer Science Education Week with Hour of Code activities in our digital literacy classes. Students chose among a number of coding options, including Scratch, Ozobot or micro:bit with Microsoft MakeCode, Tynker, Kodable, and code.org.

We also continued practicing internet searches by looking for a pumpkin pie recipe.

• We noticed that the search results often have a bold title and some information below the title.

• We also noticed that recipe pages have features like titles, timing information in a box, smaller section titles, and lists that have both bullets and numbers.

• We discussed that sometimes internet pages have advertisements on top, on the side, and that pop up. Most of the time, we should just ignore these advertisements.

We started making our own versions of a pumpkin pie recipe in Google Slides. We formatted the titles by changing the size, color, and boldness of the text. We also added bullet points to create a list of ingredients. In typing our ingredients, we needed to learn how to type parentheses and fractions, too!

We're also continuing to practice our keyboarding skills.

September 2022

We practiced typing using the home row keys. Did you know that there are ridges on the f and j keys to help us know where to place our index fingers?

We also realized we could spell a lot of words using just the letters on the home row. There are a lot of words with an “a”: dad, dash, lad, fad, salad, all, fall, etc.

We practiced typing in search terms into a search engine find images. We typed in a word like "apple," counted the number of images that matched what we were actually looking for and how many didn’t. We recorded our data in a table.

We realized that a word like "apple" might mean the food or the technology company. Then, we brainstormed some ways to improve our searches, mainly be adding a second word. For instance, we learned that typing in "red apple," "apple fruit," or "red apple food" helped us find more of what we'd been looking for.

August 2022

We discussed what we do to stay safe when we visit places like the playground and grocery store. Then, we talked about how some of the advice we get from our families about staying safe in public could also keep us safe online. Finally, we watched a video with a friend named Arms. Arms gave us advice about staying safe online.

This year, we will be "traveling" around the world. So, it is helpful to think about how to stay safe when you go new places online!