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.

Thinking about Assistive Technology

 

In Computer Science, we talk a lot about how we use our technology to solve many of life's problems. One problem we came up with was making technology accessible to everyone. This led to a conversation about Assistive Technology. Assistive Technology is a term for adaptive and rehabilitative devices designed to help people with disabilities who often might have difficulty performing tasks in their daily lives, even with assistance. 7th-grade teams were given the task of brainstorming and developing a prototype of a tool that could assist someone with disabilities. This task required research, data gathering, and then brainstorming some ideas.

Teams then took their ideas to a Paint or Paint 3D program to begin developing. What is exciting is listening to them develop their ideas, with phrasing like "what if we added ____",  and then piecing together a mock-up of their ideas to try it out for themself. This was a testament to true problem-solving and critical thinking. Teams presented their ideas and prototypes to the class. Easily, some of their imaginative ideas could be further developed and used. 

This....is a great idea for

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!

Reverse Genius Hour - Knitting!

For the last few years, each Student in our School have participated in Genius Hour. They've learned how to create stop motion movies, hydroponic gardening, ceramics, cooking chemistry and so much more. We've formed clubs of multi-grades and have seen amazing things happen when 1st and 4th graders learn robotics together. Genius Hour is a hit at our School and Staff love imparting ideas, resources, encouragement and direction.

So, it had me thinking, I've always wanted to learn how to knit. My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was young, but I wanted to know how to knit sweaters, scarves or mittens. I checked out a few books with very easy steps, bought needles and yarn and got started. All was going well, until I got to "Step 2". Essentially, the pictures and the directions became confusing - how in the world was I to flip that piece of yarn over the other piece to make a creative knot?

That's when it occurred to me - ask the 5th grade Students that chose knitting for Genius Hour last year for help! What a perfect solution! These Students, both boys and girls, imparted their ideas, resources, encouragement and direction...and...enjoyed every bit of helping me learn my new craft.

I was taken by their enthusiasm and great care. Easily they could have taken the needles and yarn and did it for themselves, instead they helped me learn for myself. My knitting is a work in process. I am still trying to make the stitches even and consistent, which is not an easy feat for a newbie. I take my projects in and they'll stop by the Lab to check it out, give pats on the back or other tips for improving it. I learned that the boys were actually pretty good at knitting. Their tips included getting thicker yarn and to start any project by designing it on paper first. I could create any object, choose any color and map out a plan before picking up the needles and yarn. Every tip given was spot-on, and they loved it when I'd try it and showed them the results - which always turned out to be good solutions.

I call it "Reverse Genius Hour", because it was the Students that help guide my learning as opposed to me guiding theirs. Reverse Genius Hour was a hit!

This was a great idea!