Computer Science
Mars Base Camp:
2020 4-H STEM Challenge
The 4‑H STEM Challenge, formerly known as 4‑H National Youth Science Day (4‑H NYSD), is an annual initiative to inspire kids everywhere to take an interest in science, technology, engineering and math through hands-on learning.
The race to land humans on Mars is on! The 2020 4‑H STEM Challenge will explore sending a mission to Mars with the activity, Mars Base Camp. Developed by Google and Virginia Cooperative Extension, Mars Base Camp is a collection of activities that teaches kids ages 8-14 STEM skills like mechanical engineering, physics, computer science, and agriculture.
How to Participate
Below are a few ways to ensure young people everywhere can participate in the 2020 STEM Challenge:
Online Activity: Youth can participate with INSIGHT FROM MARS, the online portion of the 2020 STEM Challenge.
Educator Kit: Includes materials for 12 youth to participate in the offline activities at the same time. Kits can be used in spaces where physical distancing can be followed.
Family-sized Kit: Includes materials for 1-4 youth to participate in the offline activities at the same time from inside the home.
More resources and information can be found on the 4-H.org web page.
Get Started with Insight from Mars
When astronauts travel to space, they communicate every day with mission control about what they see and what they learn. This is your opportunity to imagine that you are the first human explorer on Mars. Think about the things you might discover and the questions your friends or family might ask about your mission.
Code your discovery in Scratch and share your animated story about something exciting you have discovered on the surface of Mars!
The website has a list of instructions to get you started. Click on any of the links to get started.
Go to the website now to complete this activity. Insight from Mars!
Sample Coding Challenge- This sample coding challenge shows you possible messages you can design using Scratch.
Getting Started Video
Watch this video to gain some understanding into the Insight From Mars activity. This video and all activities can be found on the 4-H.org web page.
2020-Mars-Base-Camp-Youth-Guide.pdfMars Base Camp Youth Guide
You can get started right now with planning your project. This youth guide can be downloaded from the 4-H.org web page and is also available in Spanish.
2020-Mars-Base-Camp-Facilitator-Guide.pdfMars Base Camp Facilitators Guide
You can get started right now with planning this project for your child or your students. This facilitator guide can be downloaded from the 4-H.org web page and is also available in Spanish.
Game Changineer
What is Game Changineer?
Game Changineer is a video game design platform created by Dr. Michael Hsiao, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech. The program is an excellent introduction to coding using plain English. Students have to construct correctly written and punctuated sentences in order to execute the game programming. This easily accessible program combines English Language and Computer Coding to offer cross curricular learning for students; allowing teachers to appeal to students love of gaming but teaching English in the process.
This platform works for students in upper elementary grades through high school. If you would like help using Game Changineer in your classroom, check out this Activity Guide. For more information on Game Changineer or to schedule an online professional development session, please contact Dr. Hsiao at hsiao@vt.edu.
Helpful Links for Game Changineer
Computational Thinking and Coding Using Natural Language for Writing Video Games - Dr. Michael Hsiao. PDF document providing an explanation of the science behind merging the two subjects.
Game Changineer Website - Set up a free account using your school email address. The site includes a number of tutorials and sample games. Students can create their own video games and share them to the Community Showcase. A number of Mecklenburg County students have had their games featured here.
Game Changineer Training - Recorded training session led by Dr. Hsiao. Yo can watch and follow along as Dr. Hsiao guides you through creating your first game.
game.changineer.pdfThe set of worksheets to the left are to be used when working through the practice game on the Game Changineer website.
You can print these worksheets and have your group complete them together or as a self paced tutorial.
Check out this video and learn to make a simple video game using Game Changineer!
Makey Makey
Do you love teaching electricity? Do your students enjoy learning about conductivity? Are your students ready to connect what they ave learned about circuits to coding?
If so then Makey Makey learning kits are perfect for you. These kits are reasonably priced, but your 4-H Agent may have kits in your location that can be used with this unit of study.
Lesson Plans
Makey Makey: Creating a Word Wall (also incorporates SCRATCH) - Brittany Council-Morton and Dr. Erika Bonnett
Makey Makey Instructables Database: This link takes you to the Makey Makey website
How To Create With Makey Makey- This link takes you to the Makey Makey website where you can explore the available lessons you can use to get started creating with Makey Makey.
Disclaimer: Commercial products and services are named in this publication for informational purposes only. Virginia Cooperative Extension does not endorse these products or services and does not intend discrimination against other products or services which also may be suitable.
Drones and CODE
Power Point lesson Builders
Drones in Agriculture - Dan Swafford, 4-H Project Associate, Virginia Tech
Drone Operation Specifications- Dan Swafford, 4-H Project Associate, Virginia Tech
Careers in Drones- Dan Swafford, 4-H Project Associate, Virginia Tech
Drones Apply Pesticides- Dan Swafford, 4-H Project Associate, Virginia Tech
Drone Rules of Engagement- Dan Swafford, 4-H Project Associate, Virginia Tech
The Drone and Mapping Team
Virginia Cooperative Extension has a drone kit in each district typically housed at the District Office. Support for drone applications, training, and instruction can be found by contacting the following people at Virginia Tech who often come out and conduct workshops for Agents and Schools. John McGee- Geospatial Extension Specialist jmcg@vt.edu, Dan Swafford - 4-H Project Associate jswaffor@vt.edu
Computer Coding
More than ever our society is depending upon Apps, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Cyber Security. Amazon has made great strides in using drones to deliver packages. While gaming platforms such as Minecraft and Roblox keep students entertained, 4-H Agent Hannah Bishop went a step further to develop a curriculum that teaches youth how to apply their coding skills to safely program drones to be useful in everyday tasks.
Computer coding and drones are a logical team. Drones can be used mapping, surveying, and other geospatial applications. recently drones have been used in agricultural applications to herd small livestock herds, track animal health using infrared technology, track field irrigation needs through the use of infrared technology, and to log crop growth and health through aerial photography. This curriculum teaches students applicable 21st century skills and equips them with the necessary hands-on activities to help guide them in their search for computer science based careers.
Drone the Unknown
Master Project Report by Hannah Bishop
Hannah Bishop created this project for her Master's Thesis. The attached document is an analysis of the project. If you have questions about how drones can be used to effectively teach computational thinking, computer science and coding, then you should refer to her research and curriculum, included in the appendix of her report. For more information about her curriculum, please contact Hannah Bishop, 4-H Agent for Dinwiddie County, hrobbins@vt.edu .
Drones and Coding By Hanna Bishop.pdfLooking for More Drone Code Kits?
**These kits are not endorsed by 4-H or Virginia Cooperative Extension. They are provided here as a reference for those who want to pursue personal explorations of drones and code.Codrone- You can purchase this kit which comes with a programmable drone.
Parrot Mambo Code Drone- Tynker and Parrot have joined forces to teach kids Computer Science fundamentals through hands-on experimentation. The new Parrot Mambo Code is a special bundle that includes a 6-month Tynker subscription and a mini-drone.
Disclaimer: Commercial products and services are named in this publication for informational purposes only. Virginia Cooperative Extension does not endorse these products or services and does not intend discrimination against other products or services which also may be suitable.
Additional 4-H Computer Science Resources
Tech Changemakers - Information about the nationwide 4-H Tech Changemakers program, empowering teens to teach technology skills (includes a link to download the free Tech Changemakers Guidebook)
4-H Computer Science Playbook - combines elements of 4-H Positive Youth Development with the latest CS activities and resources
2019 4-H STEM Challenge - Game Changers
2018 4-H STEM Challenge - Code Your World
Drones and GIS- This webpage is dedicated to offering education around geospatial education and workforce development to integrate technology like drones in geo location.
Geospatial Drones YouTube Channel- Use the videos on this Virginia Tech YouTube Channel to see how you can use drones in grid mapping for geospatial applications.
3-D and Infrared Mapping YouTube Channel- American View has provided a YouTube Channel showing mapping that can be done with Unmanned aircraft. These videos are great technological examples of aerial footage.
Click on the images to be redirected to the Shop4-H.org site where you can purchase these curriculum which support computer science projects and learning.
** Curriculum can be used for short-term projects or Special Interest Clubs.
If you have any questions or concerns about this page, please contact 4-H Agent, Jonette Mungo at jonetm4@vt.edu.