Step 4: Connecting the Dots

Classroom Application with SCAMPER

How can you take this project and remix it to apply to your classroom standards and needs? Use the SCAMPER checklist to help you reframe the project in new ways.

Use this Padlet to share your ideas. List your class, what you teach and how you could use this project concept with your standards and projects.

SCAMPER.pdf

Multiple Entry Points

  1. Coding is not the goal. Rather it is a tool to bring the ideas to life.
  2. Start by building empathy. In this case we use an interview process. When I worked with 4th graders(see Resources) we had them create their own personal robot. We use interest and student voice to gain an entry point into their willingness to learn.
  3. For those that love to code, build, and make, the sky is the limit so as they push the boundaries there really is no end in sight. However, we have created a system that even the students who have not had much success or confidence with coding/computer science can still be successful.
  4. Planning. Having students brainstorm, draw diagrams, and research is essential. It provides them all a starting point to begin to make. Often times we dive right into making which does not allow for proper execuation and idea creation.
  5. Physical computing allows for varied interests to take hold. For example, some of you loved the construction of the pet. Some of you loved the coding. Some of you wanted to do both. Some enjoyed the interview aspect. There is a general interest area to allow anyone to get started.


Standards: Examples of Places to Start

Standards for Mathematical Practice - How could these practices be woven into a project or new coding opportunities to reach these elements of the Core?

Science and Engineering Practices of NGSS - How could these practices be woven into a project or new coding opportunities to reach these elements of the NGSS?

Computer Science Standards : CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards

  • 2-A-2-1 Solicit and integrate peer feedback as appropriate to develop or refine a program.
  • 2-A-6-10 Use an iterative design process (e.g., define the problem, generate ideas, build, test, and improve solutions) to solve problems, both independently and collaboratively.

Common Core Literacy - Depending on grade level, focus on the non-fiction reading and writing. These are often standards that are hard to gain student interest, however, are easy to infuse when we link them into physical computing project like this. How can you take these standards and infuse into a project?

21st Century Skills - These are the easiest to make connections and are the most important for us all to implement into our classrooms.

Social Studies - Focus on the Inquiry Standards. How can you use content standards combined with inquiry mixed with physical computing to create some dynamic learning opportunities?

ISTE Standards for Students - these are a natural bridge to any type of learning that comes with coding, making, and physical computing.

Birdbrain Technologies creates the Finch and Hummingbird Robots. They have released as of December 2018 a planning guide to help educators infuse robotics and coding into any curriculum. They have also created documents for assessments of learning. Check these guides out as well