Prototype - A Way to Boost Team Projects

For many projects in our Computer Science class, teams are tasked with designing and developing a prototype of their idea. This, in many cases, takes the project to a new level - they must imagine or brainstorm what their product will actually look like, what it will do, and how it could potentially be used by the public. Critical thinking and problem-solving play a big part in our prototyping.

Here's where we begin:

Prototype (noun) - defined as a first, typical, or preliminary model of something, especially a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied.

The team's prototype can be one of these forms: 

• Physical - your team can design and create a shell or a model. It can be made of any material. It does not have to 'work' exactly, but should be close to your overall plan.
• Drawn - similarly to a patent of a machine, or an architect's rendering - draw out what your product should look like, detailing every angle and every important aspect. Then label parts of the product.
• Coded - this is where your team can show the design and begin to demonstrate how it will work. Your team can use any platform to create this programmed representation of the product.
• Audio - this will allow your team to demonstrate your product using sounds. Your team can use any platform to create the sounds that best represent the product.
• Other - your team may have other ideas that can used to demonstrate the product ideas. Choose wisely. Make sure it will give the viewing audience a good look at the product and what the product will be able to do.

In all cases, teams should concentrate on the details and be very specific.

Computer Science -- why? Or, maybe, why not.

• Computer Science is so much more than learning to code. It's about blending computers and other brands of technology with computational and critical thinking. In Computer Science, we're teaching students to think about how to solve problems.

  This is done by decomposing a problem - or, breaking it down into small chunks. Recognizing patterns, similarities or trends. Adding in an amount of abstraction, where we weed out the information we need versus the unnecessary 'stuff' that we don't need. Then, putting it all together to determine the steps or rules - the algorithm.

  Just about every industry on the planet requires applicants to have some form of background in Computer Science.

  For example:

  In Agriculture - farmers look to Computer Science to make their farms more efficient with watering systems, robotic equipment that will harvest fruits and vegetables that take them from plant to table in short periods of time.

  In the shipping industry, Computer Science is seen in programmed robots that sort, scan, package, label and eventually move to ship out the item in record speeds. Think about just how fast it takes to order, then receive the purchased item. Some arrive the same day or overnight. Rarely does it take longer than that. 

  In Architecture, civil engineers are needed to construct computer programs to design bridges, buildings or other infrastructures.

  In businesses from every industry, Computer Science is used in the form of developing tools, designing webpages and software to make organizations more efficient and, in most cases, more profitable.

  In Medicine, Computer Science is used to design medical devices and surgical instruments, and, to even perform surgical procedures with pin-point accuracy that no human can replicate. 

  Biologists use drones and software to track and analyze the migration of animals, food and water supplies and the preservation of rainforests.

  This is all Computer Science. In education, it is intertwined into each and every one of our content areas. We are molding students to fill these jobs. 

  And....Computer Science is an integral part of that process. 

  So, why the study of Computer Science in our classrooms? It might be best to ask - why not.

The Power of Peer Review

Peer Review, point blank, just works. It’s a double check of things as simple as grammar, sentence structure, feedback on steps, and…you, name-its. In my middle school Computer Science class, we also have peers suggest ways to improve products, improved codes, and, in the end, suggest ways to make ‘it’ better.

I introduce the old concepts of T.A.G., but with a twist. TAG is simply: 

T - Tell your peer what you like. What has your peer done well. This is a time to bring out everything that is looking great in the project. Shower your peer with positive vibes here. 

A - Ask questions. When you look at your peer’s project, what are you curious about? What is tricky or unclear? Ask the question. Get more clarity or ask questions that may make your peer think of other aspects they may not have thought of. And….

G - Give suggestions. What can you suggest that would make the project better, more clear, or add that extra special elements to make the project pop? Brainstorm with your peer.

A cheery reminder before Tag-time to all students is to be kind, be constructive, be a helper. I typically have students submit the feedback they gave and the feedback they got as part of all project deliverables in class. 

It just works!

Finch 2.0 - Coding & Robotics

 

At first glance this looks like a really strange little kid’s toy. In fact, my middle schoolers were looking at me and wondering why we were going to use this thing in class. They were certain I had lost my mind. But as we dug deeper into the coding aspect of it, we all realized just how much this little robot can “kick a punch”.

Finch 2.0 by BirdBrain Technologies, is an educational robot that can be coded using block, JavaScript and Python languages, among many, and is rated for students 5 years and older. Make no mistake, though - the company does a fine job in marketing this bot for middle grades and up the ladder to college aged students as well - and with nice results, I might add.

Programming a Micro:bit in apps like Snap!, MakeCode, Swift, to name a few, has Finch accessible using Macs, PCs, Chromebooks, and tablets. Other cool features include Bluetooth, sensors, a 7-hour battery life (impressive) and more. This is a very impressive product.

In teams of two, my students have had their Finch:

• Code their way through mazes
• Define shapes
• Code their way through a scavenger hunt for information (space theme, civics ed theme, etc)
• Played a life-sized version of Battleship
• Worked their way through obstacle courses
• Drew figures, their names, you-name-it - a marker can be inserted into the bot easily.

I start by getting students used to the Micro:Bit - how it works, downloading their code, etc. In each program are tutorials, how-to’s, etc to help out on this part. Once you get past these logistics, the rest is relatively easy. Students will likely pick up other meaningful aspects of it on their own.

I’m a big fan!

https://store.birdbraintechnologies.com/products/finch2

Small Town Robotic Challenge

In Tech, K-2nd grade friends are blending their knowledge of maps, robotics and coding to meet today's "Small Town Robotic Challenge". On our map are replicas of our school, the fire station, police station, hospital, general store, play ground and more. Everything that can be found in a small town is added to our experience - including familiar street names.

Each team of two is given a card that gives a small storyline challenge that the team will need to code their robot to complete. The teams look at the map, determine their path, measure the length of a rotation on their robot, code the robot and away they go. If there are issues, they debug and try again.

This lesson includes: mapping, coding, debugging, algorithms, civic ed, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, math, digital storytelling and so much more.

Bananas for CodeMonkey!

Always looking for fun apps for our K-5 students to help learn coding skills, brought me to this little gem. CodeMonkey really catches the eye and very quickly. Essentially you're moving the monkey to get the banana. I like how easy it is to catch on, the background music is light and not annoying and leveling up is by consistent steps and not huge leaps. The best part, however, is that it uses coding words, staying away from blocky style coding programs, making it a more realistic coding experience.

For our Student base, I'm ranking this for our 2nd graders and up. There is a nice Teacher section with lesson ideas, pricing, and more

Bananas are looking good with this one!

Ed Tech Tools for our Younger Coding Friends

During our Month of Code, we used a couple of fairly new Ed Tech tools to help with basic programming for our K-2 friends.  They enjoyed the hands-on approach to learning and really got the hang of it all rather quickly.

Learning Resources hits the mark with this programmable Robot Mouse.  Essentially, by depressing the directional and sound buttons on top of the mouse, it will move a rotation in that direction.  The box comes with one purple mouse and a set of directional coding cards. Use the coding cards as a way to challenge the group to move their robot in whichever direction you choose. I've also created large floor grids for Students that have them code the mouse to get from start to finish and decide how to move forward the amount of rotations that are needed. I like how easy this device is to use and requires little instruction. Once Students tinker a little, they're all set for whatever challenge might come their way.

Fisher Price's Code-a-Pillar is another hit with our Students. It too is very easy to learn to operate and does an excellent job of demonstrating basic coding principles. It's cute and has fun sounds which also add to the appeal. Fisher Price rates this for Pre-K, but we've found it works quite well with our K-1st STEM friends. The body separates into directional and sound pieces that are easy to re-attach by little hands. More pieces can be purchased, but the initial set comes with 8 pieces. 

Aside from a coding experiences, both of these devices are perfect for Centers, Genius Hour, Robotics, free time and more.

Coding - Google's Way!

Google again 'hits it out of the park' with these two fun coding experiences:

Made with Code - a series of fun activities and projects that really get the imagination going!  My favorite is Yeti, a cute monster getting ready for the 'big performance' with a jig on stage! Each project comes with easy instructions, but further tinkering is a big part of the experience.  I rate this for 3rd thru 5th grade. It's for both boys and girls, but I've found the girls particularly enjoy it and has become their program of choice.


December came alive with Santa Tracker, where the user is transported to Santa's Village for a large assortment of games, coding experiences and a link to learn more about how the holidays are celebrated around the world (very interesting stuff!).  Kinder thru 5th had a blast trying the various activities!  This made Lab time that last week of School before break actually bearable and fun for all - thank you Google!

Coding Experiences for K-2 Friends!

I'm always on the look out for fun activities for our younger friends in K-2, these are some of my favorite Coding Experiences:

Bits & Bricks by the folks at Lego is cute, fun and Students love it! It's easy to get started and becomes progressively trickier as you go. I like that it's encouraging and shows helpful hints when you get stuck. The program starts with a fun tail of Cybit, an online kingdom where Bits are challenged to solve the puzzles.  The background music and character noises are fun as well! I simply love anything Lego - so enjoying this one came very easily!

Lightbot by the folks at ABCYa! is another fun favorite! All the activities on this site are spot-on, Lightbot is no exception!  Essentially, the bot needs to be moved throughout the maze to turn on the light at the end. I like the easy step by step instructions, showing how to get the bot to move and the encouragement along the way.  Nicely done!

Friends in K-2 were all the giggles with codeSpark's The Foos especially when you click on the belly and the character dances a jig when it gets to the end of the puzzle! The characters are cute and relateable. A word to the wise, however, this one does get tricky pretty quickly with loops and repeating functions, so younger friends may need a buddy to help out in a pinch. Still, Students kept wanting more of The Foos - I guess that is a good sign of the program!

And, we can't leave Kodable off the list - this is a program that is played in Centers, during free-time, in the Tech Lab and at home by all our younger Students - online as on their tablets.  An account is not necessary, but having one gives more whistles and bells, as well as progress can be saved for later, which is a nice enough feature.  Fuzzy friends roll around the puzzle collecting gold coins and more for the younger challenges. For the older player's challenges, they're battling asteroids and bugs in the Bug World, oh my!  I like how it shows the coding language in these challenges.

Great programs from exceptional companies - job well done!

Scratch - Music, Art & Digital Storytelling

We celebrate "Hour of Code" throughout the month of December and explore the world of computer programing with our entire K-5 campus - including Staff and Administration!  It's a month everyone looks forward to every year.  This year, in searching for a fun experience that is collaborated in Music & Art Encores, I came upon these activities using Scratch, a dream of a program by the folks at MIT. The beauty of this program is that an account does not need to be activated to start creating - and - in the Educator section of the site, there are many fun activities to try, lesson plans to help get you started and coding cards for Students to use that gives step-by-step instructions.

With "Make Music" - Students easily add 'sprites' (characters) of musical instruments, select backgrounds, beats or sounds, then click 'play'. Their creations come to life! With Animate Your Name, Students add letters or their name and code it to move in many directions. Add sounds to this activity and it becomes multi-faceted experience.  I'm a big fan of these two activities and rate them for 2nd thru 5th Grade.  Once Students get the hang of it, they then enjoy tinkering in the program and quickly get a certain sense of success. It's perfect!

New Favorite Coding Games

These last weeks, we've gotten Students back into Coding.  I'm always looking for new programs that they can use - and these two popped up:

ABCYa! Lightbot (http://www.abcya.com/lightbot.htm) and Lego Bits & Bricks (http://www.lego.com/en-us/campaigns/bits-and-bricks).  Both are not only so much fun, but they are perfect for Students starting in Kindergarten.  But don't be fooled, my 5th Graders like them too!  And what's not to like....after all, anything that comes from both ABCYa! and Lego are top notch, always well thought out, graphics are cool, and Students really like them!

For yet another great way to inspire Students and to jump in with both feet into Coding...these are a hit!

Game Making Apps

Staff ask for programs Students can use to create their own games. This is a hot question, especially since we have a whole-School Genius Hour initiative going on. Here's a look at my favorites:

For the iPad:

• Scratch Jr. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scratchjr/id895485086?mt=8) (K&1^st-2^nd) – “kid-brother/sister” to Scratch.  Easy to drag & drop blocky style, lets you create games & stories.  Change colors, texts, pictures, you-name-it. (Looking for an amazing storytelling app...this is it!)
• Hopscotch – (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hopscotch-make-games!-learn/id617098629?mt=8) (Upper 1^st, def 2^nd & up) top rated with super reviews.  It has video how-to’s.  It accepts basic blocky commands that are easy to snap together. Press play and away you go. This app also lets the user create movies, games, and so much more.  I really like these folks!

Online (links in Student Links)

• Code.org – in the Code Studio - (https://studio.code.org/ - at bottom of page....Flappy Bird, etc.) it has several game/story programs to try.  This is more for 2^nd & up, but 1^st can give it a try.  All other gaming & coding experiences in this program are wonderful as well.  Students should be encouraged to tinker about.
• Tynker – (https://www.tynker.com/programming-for-kids/explore/elementary.html) Definitely for 3^rd & up. Sign-up required for Students to create their own games, etc. Students will signup for an account and are given a ‘name’.  They will need an adult approval, which allows the parent the ability to get updates as to their progress (which might be a nice feature to make certain they’re doing what they need to do). The link takes you to basic games that do not require a login to get a feel as to how it works.
• Scratch (online & program on Macs) - 4th & up.  There are books and online resources that go step by step how to use the program.  Essentially, it is a blocky style programming. Kids really like this and why not?...it's really well put together.  This is another 'tinkerable' program, that's why I rate it for 4th & up.  As much as we've used this program, I don't think we've come close to scratching the outer limits of it...there is so much potential here.

Happy Tinkering!

Robotics Week includes newest addition: "Dot & Dash"

Robotics Week is our chance to explore and discover new ways to use all the robots we have available to us. This week, we take a crack at our newest addition, Wonder Workshop's "Dot & Dash" (https://www.makewonder.com/) These are two really cute robots that come ready to use right out of the box!  There is no assembly needed.  They come with several free apps and connecting the iPad with either via Bluetooth is a snap. Dot & Dash and their apps are rated for age 4 and above. While this is true, we have found these to be perfect for 1st & 2nd Graders.

Here's a look at the apps:

"Go" - allows Dash to freely roam with a swipe of the finger.  This app is perfect for those fun mazes, running races and creating shapes.  When you add the 'scoop' attachment, Dash can move items all around.  Our friends used the 'scoop' to sort items and do math games where they moved the answer into the right space.

"Xylo" - add the xylophone attachment to Dash and it plays a tune!  We assigned letters of the alphabet to the colored tiles, then Students spelled out their name and could hear their 'name-song'!  Very special for us all!

"Path" - draw a path and add sounds, then Dash will run the route and follow the commands. Dot will make the sounds, creating a neat exercise in sequencing.  This is a perfect start to Coding as they must follow a sequence to level up to the next.

"Blockly" - yet another perfect practice in programming.  What I just realized is this tool is created by Google....no wonder it's a great tool!  Students snap together blocks of code in the program and have the robots run the code!  Challenging, yet fun!  I rate this more for the older Student (2nd Grade)

Realistically, groups of 2 to 3 Students working the applications and setting the Robot on it's course is a good number.  The practice of sharing and taking turns is a real plus.

Happy Coding Season!

Coding Season is upon us!  We will, as a whole School participate in an Hour of Code, using Code.org's wonderful  lessons and special games, like Star Wars, Frozen and of course, Minecraft. But I also like to recognize these gems, perfect for our K-5 Students during Centers, for Free Time, for Morning Work, extra Bonus Time, or just about any other opportunity to get the brain waves cracking!   

Daisy the Dinosaur and Scratch Jr are not only great at getting the younger friends started coding, but have an added feature of being a perfect application for storytelling!  In both, add backgrounds, change the character, add text boxes and more. Nice feature! 

Kodable is a true favorite for K-2 friends.  They love the fuzzy friends that go around the tablet searching for coins. I particularly like how this application demonstrates directions and how-to's.  They make it so easy for the younger friends to catch on!  Kodable also comes with a web-based version, (thank you very much!) and this is what we'll start our younger friends with during our Month of Code!

Toca Builders is a favorite of mine for designing and building. The app's five little characters have a specific job to do and it's up to you to get them to work! The imagination can get carried away with buildings, doors, windows, obstacles and more.  This is a truly addicting application.

Fix The Factory is a Lego app, which means...perfection to effects, sounds, resolution, you-name-it! It does get a bit tricky at some of the higher levels, but I like that it is a different type of game compared to the others.  Students, boys and girls alike, will like this one.

Tynker and Hopscotch are favorites for our older Elementary Friends in 3-5 & up. Use blockly commands to create all sorts of different games, spiraling images, etc.  It too gets a little tricky as you level up.  Students like the challenge, tho...so it becomes a competition as to who can get their first.

All these applications are Free, at present in the App Store.  The Free versions give upwards of 20 or more lessons, each lesson with 3 or more obstacles apiece.  They also come with a paid application which will give more whistles and bells.

Happy Coding!

A New Tech Toy for the Toy Box......an OZOBOT!

I absolutely love techy toys! Especially ones that have a nice design, are fully functioning and deliver outstanding results.  That's what you get with Ozobot!   Ozobot (http://www.ozobot.com/) is a robot....a very small robot, that can be programmed either by using an iPad app (Free download) or by drawing thick lined tracks using a color scheme on a white piece of paper.  The color schemes can be printed from the webpage, as well as other pre-planned challenges to get started. Presently, the robots are $49.99 for one or $89.99 for a pair through Amazon.  Teams of 2 to 3 Students can work together to code a robot and play the game.

The iPad app allows the user to free draw, program the robot to 'dance', or create a path using a variety of directional blocks.  Each 'game' is challenging, requires strategic planning and is a lot of fun. I specifically like the music and the design of each program....very eye appealing, catchy and adds to the overall experience.

The Drawing option connects robot & creativity, interactively.  With black, red, blue & green thick-edged markers & the Ozobot's color scheme codes (found on their webpage), the user draws 'tracks' using the codes & the Ozobot moves in all directions, spins, changes colors, changes speed & more. Also challenging and a ton of fun, but adds that creative side to the robot experience that I like very much.

Ideally, this would be best rated for the older Students in 3rd through 5th Grades.  I was quickly impressed with this little gem and think it would be a perfect addition to the Robotics Unit in the Tech Lab, during Clubs, Centers or Free Play.


Robotic fun,
Elana Moore

Coding - So Many Great Apps To Choose From!

Learning to Code in our Elementary-world is not only fun but engages Students and strengthens critical thinking skills, problem solving skills and enhances their digital fluency!  A win-win-win!  If the app comes with a web-based version, it's an even bigger winner as it reaches a larger audience.  

Still....you just can't beat this list of great apps:

Hopscotch - (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hopscotch-programming-made/id617098629?mt=8) - Available Free in iTunes for iPad & iPhone users. The School Edition is $9.99 (presently) which unlocks all characters & options. Once launched, choose a character & give it a fun nickname, then the 'world' opens up to a large assortment of things that can be made...start from scratch with a blank project, create games, drawings, build a webpage, make sounds and so much more. Once selected, a video pops up giving step-by-step instructions on how to create your selection.  Menus of blocks to choose from allows for new characters, movements, colors, texts, etc.  

I'm really impressed by this app - not only for how easy it is, but because of the detail in every activity.  The final product is quite remarkable.  I rate this for 2nd Grade Friends and up.

Daisy the Dinosaur - (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/daisy-the-dinosaur/id490514278?mt=8) Also by Hopscotch Technologies, is a Free download in the App Store and also can be used for iPhones and iPads.  This is more for our younger friends in Kindergarten to 2nd Grade.  Choose from 'Free-Play' mode or 'Challenge' mode.  Essentially, the user uses a set of blocks which tell 'Daisy' which way to go, grow, shrink, turn and more.  When 'Play' is tapped, Daisy performs the set of instructions.  I like how in 'Challenge' mode, the user is given either encouraging words to keep trying or very positive comments congratulating the user, like 'You are an amazing coder!'....thank you very much!

Kodable - (https://www.kodable.com/) - comes Free in the iTunes Store with approximately 20 levels, beyond that, there is an In-App purchase that unlocks all other levels and characters for $6.99 (presently).  Essentially, the user moves directional arrows to tell the fuzzy friend which way to go and to pick up coins along the way.  It can get a bit tricky in the higher levels.  I like the leveling-up, the music is pleasant, the step-by-step instructions are easy for our younger friends and, quite honestly, I think it's fun!  I've used this app with Kinder-Friends up to 2nd Grade. 

Scratch Jr. - (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scratchjr/id895485086?ls=1&mt=8) - Free app for iPad & Android tablets.  It is the younger version of the remarkable Scratch app that older kids have enjoyed for years now.  Scratch Jr. uses the same blockly coding styles as the others.  The user can change the character, colors, texts, backgrounds, directions and more.  I think that this is a great app for digital storytelling, as well as coding and is perfect for Centers, as a reward for great PBIS behaviors, free-time, any lesson that showcases critical thinking and more.  My wish is that there were a web-based version as well.  Keeping my fingers crossed on that one.

Tynker - (https://www.tynker.com/) - Available web-based as well as for iPad & Android users. I think this is great programming for Elementary-aged Students!  It has unique games, characters, easy to tinker blockly style coding and more.  Basic levels are free, but to unlock more involved levels comes at a price. During Hour of Code, Students in our Lab could choose between Tynker and other programs....many opted for Tynker, especially the free-drawing program that creates spiral pictures.  I rate this for older Students in 3rd Grade and up for content, levels, etc.

I've come to appreciate the fact that Coding is an important tool for Students and am encouraged at so many brilliant applications available for our Elementary-Friends!

Elana Moore

Coding - Lego-style!...(worthy of a 2nd post!)

A fun, yet challenging, coding experience for K-5 Students is Lego Mindstorms "Fix The Factory", by Lego-Group!  This App is free in the App Store and also available online (http://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/games/fix-the-factory).  It has fantastic graphics, levels up appropriately and maintains a challenging and fun way for Students to develop strategy skills, coding skills and complex thinking skills.  I'm a huge fan of Lego anyway, so this was a given up front; but when I started tinkering, the rewards for leveling up became very exciting!  It is tricky until you get the hang of it, so persistence is a must here. That being said, younger friends in K & 1st, may find it too challenging, especially in the upper levels.

This program is in our bundle of offerings during our Month of Code in December, as well as anytime we pull out iPads. Great stuff!

Ideas:
* A Morning Center to get the creative & complex thinking skills awake!
* Use during Hour of Code in December for K-5 Students.
* As a reward for great PBIS Behavior!

Happy Coding!
Elana Moore

Coding - Lego-style!

A 'new-to-me' Coding experience for K-5 Students is Lego Mindstorms Fix The Factory, by Lego-Group!  This App is free in the App Store and also available online (http://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/games/fix-the-factory).  It has fantastic graphics, levels up appropriately and maintains a challenging and fun way for Students to develop strategy skills, coding skills and complex thinking skills.  I'm a huge fan of Lego anyway, so this was a given up front; but when I started tinkering, the rewards for leveling up became very exciting!  It is tricky until you get the hang of it, so persistence is a must here. That being said, younger friends in K & 1st, may find it too challenging, especially in the upper levels.

This program will be using this in our bundle of offerings during our Month of Code in December!

Ideas:
* A Morning Center to get the creative & complex thinking skills awake!
* Use during Hour of Code in December for K-5 Students.
* As a reward for great PBIS Behavior!



Happy Coding!
Elana Moore

Scratch Jr.

I spent sometime tinkering with Scratch Jr on my iPad.  This is the younger version of the coding program Scratch.  Scratch Jr. is perfect for younger Elementary Students, with drag and drop blocks to move the cat around the screen.  Backgrounds can be changed and the color of the cat can be changed as well.  But what I really liked about it is that you can add text to it and tell a story....which is a hot topic for us this year....storytelling!  When the Student presses the green flag, the cat ventures off on his journey!

I wish this were web enabled as we could reach more Students with this program.  On a scale of 5 stars....this gets a 5 and then some!


Happy Coding!
Elana Moore