Welcome to "Crabs and Turtles: A Series of Computational Adventures" (in German: Schildkröten & Krabben) – an exciting life-size board game that brings the world of computational thinking to elementary school children in a fun and interactive way.
Our mission is to introduce young minds to the fundamentals of coding and computational thinking, all while keeping them engaged through play 🎲. The game consists of three exciting adventures: the Treasure Hunt, the Race, and Patterns, each designed to foster essential coding concepts.
Drawing inspiration from educational Logo-turtle and Logo-inspired games, as well as playful educational activities, 🦀 Crabs & Turtles 🐢 provides a low-threshold and unplugged introduction to computational thinking. By utilizing life-size dimensions, the game can be easily played in classrooms or open spaces, ensuring a dynamic and immersive experience.
We understand the concerns when introducing programming to young learners, which is why we've chosen an unplugged approach. This method allows children to grasp coding principles without the need for digital devices, making it a smooth and child-friendly transition to more complex programming environments.
Moreover, the non-digital nature of the game is intentional. It underscores the fact that coding concepts and computational thinking are not limited to digital contexts. Instead, they can be applied in various real-life situations, sparking creativity and problem-solving abilities.
As an OER, the games are available in German via the OER repository of the University of Tübingen at the following location:
http://hdl.handle.net/10900.3/OER_MDCKSMXP
{Kreativ am Computer}
Welcome to the captivating world of "Creative with Computers" (in German: Kreativ am Computer) – an course tailored for 5th and 6th grade students, where programming meets creativity.
Designed with young minds in mind, this course takes a creative approach to teach fundamental programming concepts. Students will embark on a journey exploring sequences, loops, variables, operators, lists, conditions, functions, and events – the core elements of computer science. They will apply these concepts in the Python programming language, unlocking the ability to independently create intricate artwork 🎨 using the turtle.py module 🐢.
Our curriculum is carefully structured to ensure a smooth learning experience. We start with block-based programming, allowing children to experience quick achievements in a syntax-error-free environment, thus keeping their motivation soaring. As they progress, we gradually transition to text-based programming, empowering them to embrace the world of coding confidently.
Whether conducted online or in-person, the course offers a dynamic and interactive learning environment that encourages creativity and problem-solving skills. With a focus on independence and hands-on creation, students will be amazed at their own potential to craft impressive artwork through code.
As an OER, the course is available in German via the OER repository of the University of Tübingen at the following location:
http://hdl.handle.net/10900.3/OER_UEVLLJBZ