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In my STEAM classroom, students move from creating low-tech projects, to adding simple circuitry, and finally, programming their creations to move and interact. Our focus today will be on how to introduce students to programming and create simple projects using Scratch Jr., Kodable, and Code.org.
In my STEAM classroom, students move from creating low-tech projects, to adding simple circuitry, and finally, programming their creations to move and interact. Our focus today will be on how to introduce students to programming and create simple projects using Scratch Jr., Kodable, and Code.org.
WHAT IS Computational Thinking?
WHAT IS Computational Thinking?
MakerSpace Activity #5: Paper Programming
MakerSpace Activity #5: Paper Programming
Choose a task--maybe it is to walk from one place in the house to another, maybe it is to grab something from the refrigerator. Write down the steps needed to "program" yourself (or someone else!) to complete the task.
Choose a task--maybe it is to walk from one place in the house to another, maybe it is to grab something from the refrigerator. Write down the steps needed to "program" yourself (or someone else!) to complete the task.
MakerSpace Activity #6: Scratch JR.
MakerSpace Activity #6: Scratch JR.
Scratch Jr. is a block-based programming app that give young students the opportunity to learn important coding concepts in an age-appropriate way. Using the tutorials and videos below, discover the functions within the app and create three "starter" projects to use with students.
Scratch Jr. is a block-based programming app that give young students the opportunity to learn important coding concepts in an age-appropriate way. Using the tutorials and videos below, discover the functions within the app and create three "starter" projects to use with students.
Scratch Basics.mp4SCRATCH JR. BASICS
SCRATCH JR. BASICS
Learn how to use the Scratch Jr. app, as well as the functions of various coding blocks.
Follow a Line.mp4follow a line
follow a line
Program a character to follow a line on the screen using the motion, speed, and size code blocks.
Code a Game.mp4the big race
the big race
Design your first video game! Program characters to win and lose, and create two levels to your project!
All About Me.mp4All ABOUT ME
All ABOUT ME
Use multiple Scratch characters and code blocks to create a project that shares information all about you!
Student Sample Scratch Jr.MOVstudent samples
student samples
ADDITIONAL CODING RESOURCES
ADDITIONAL CODING RESOURCES
CLASS CODE: a6hizcs
When you click the link, choose SCHOOL and enter the CLASS CODE. Find your name on the list and explore the various levels.
Kodable offers free and paid subscriptions and can be used to introduce students to coding (especially nice for pre-readers or students who are more visual learners).
When visit Code.org, choose LEARN --> K-5, and choose the course that is most applicable to your students.
Code.org activities can be completed with or with out student accounts, and the K-5 curriculum offers a variety of "unplugged" lessons, which do not require the use of a computer to introduce students to coding concepts.
FlipGrid Response
FlipGrid Response
When finished with your work, take a video of your Scratch Jr. project, and upload it with an answer to the following prompts.
Prompt: What did you create and how does it work? What surprised you about these coding activities? What possibilities do you see for coding in your classroom? How might you incorporate coding into something you already do? What will you still need to learn?
Need help? FlipGrid Instructions
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