Discovery Education (DE)
Discovery Education (DE)
Embedded Files
Discovery Education is a premier software application that the Topeka Public Schools has purchased for instruction. Teachers can use it to supplement their content area lessons. DE provides videos, video segments, images, songs, sound effects, encyclopedia articles, audio files, events, lesson plans, animations and more. It also has a very robust professional development piece that makes it simple for teachers to learn the platform. In addition to the basic DE platform, additional components are also available for some schools. The district purchased a coding unit for all PK-8 buildings to support the ongoing coding and robotics initiative during remote learning. Science and STEAM schools (Jardine Elementary, Jardine Middle, and Williams) also have the STEM component available to support their STEAM initiative.
DISCOVERY EDUCATION CODING
DISCOVERY EDUCATION CODING
Discovery Education Coding is comprised of four units:
Getting Started with Block Coding
Block Coding
HTML
Python
After the first unit (Getting Started) each section will divide into four parts,
Learn - working through a set of videos with practice
Create - using the skills you just learned to create on your own
Glossary - looking up definitions so you know what the vocabulary means.
Help - gives students help on various coding components, often with video or pictures in addition to text.
Block Coding
Block Coding
Each level (six levels) in the Block Coding activity starts out with a student guide (see right)to introduce the level and then there are multiple lessons (nine in level 1) to teach and reinforce the coding concept. Each level builds on the previous level and includes a short refresher of the prior level concepts. Each level includes a lesson plan that includes learning objectives and help videos
Level 1 - simple inputs
Level 2 - different sorts of inputs, buttons and instructions
Level 3 - sequence and animation
Level 4 - introduction to variables, repetition and loops
Level 5 - speed, direction and coordinates, random numbers and simulations
Level 6 - complex variables, object properties
DEl1coding.pdfHTML
HTML
There are three levels in the HTML component and each level contains multiple lessons
Introduction to HTML
Tags and text
Adding images
Headings, paragraphs and images
Titles and pages
Making a simple page
Sizing and building
Debugging
Putting your skills to the test
HTML Formatting and CSS
Changing colors of text or <h> <p> tags
Font sizes and groups
Background colors or images in pages and paragraphs
Making a page to practice
Formatting HTML
HTML standards
Debugging HTML and CSS
Testing your skills
Links
Introduction to links
Links from images
Links within pages
<div> tags
Multiple <div> tags to create sections
Debugging links and testing
Python
Python
Python is an all purpose coding language that is used to create games and scripts for applications and software development. DE Python has four components and each component has multiple lessons. After the student learns Python, there is a online creation tool so students can begin writing downloadable and uploadable code.
Introduction to Python
Python printing
Simple calculations
Inputs and variables
Selection and input
Calculations with Variables
Variable quizzes
Python Graphics
Intro
Circle and color
Loops and shapes
simple pictures
Line size and backgrounds
Loops
Debugging and testing
Random Numbers and Simulations
Random numbers
Combining random numbers and text using commands
Arrays and phrases
Test and arrays in elements
Combining loops with random numbers and 2D shapes
Debugging and testing
Python Functions
Intro to functions
Drawing graphics with functions
Drawing trees with functions
Drawing faces with functions
Drawing emoticons with functions
Drawing random snowflakes with functions
STEM CONNECT
STEM CONNECT
STEM CONNECT is an interdisciplinary K-8 resource that blends dynamic digital content with ready-to-use lessons and hands-on activities to enhance core curriculum and cultivate design thinking to prepare students for the future.
When you open the Stem Connect component, there is a grade level selector at the top. Teachers can choose K-1, 2-3. 4-5. and 6-8 grade level units. Each unit is comprised of a group lessons aimed at solving a specific challenge. Each of the challenges are structured with a three-part learning path of Challenge, Design, and Solve. There are also content connections in each unit for various subject areas. There is also a section for Career Videos highlighting real professionals solving real-world problems using STEM skills. Students will learn about diverse STEM careers in context and connect the skills in each lesson to a real situation around the world.
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