![Computer Science & Coding in Elementary]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675941344/seisencom/c8qy7xgaieg4ukxhepqi/DSC_5001.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1675941344/seisencom/c8qy7xgaieg4ukxhepqi/DSC_5001.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1675941344/seisencom/c8qy7xgaieg4ukxhepqi/DSC_5001.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1675941344/seisencom/c8qy7xgaieg4ukxhepqi/DSC_5001.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1675941344/seisencom/c8qy7xgaieg4ukxhepqi/DSC_5001.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1675941344/seisencom/c8qy7xgaieg4ukxhepqi/DSC_5001.jpg","width":2200}])
One of our goals for ICT this year is for each grade to have a unit on computer science and coding.
For the past 2 months, grade 4 students have been learning to code games using Scratch.
As a final project, students created games in connection with their How the World Works (Natural Systems) unit of inquiry.
Students used a variety of coding concepts when creating their games. Some of the coding skills students used are:
- Creating variables to keep score or have a timer
- Creating conditions in their code to make objects appear or disappear and provide points
- Using loops to simplify codes
- Using digital art skills to create characters and backgrounds
- Changing costumes to make characters more realistic
- Using a coordinate plane to plan motion
On Thursday, students showed off their games with the rest of the school community. Students from grades 1 through 5 got a chance to play the games and learn more about coding.
Below are some ideas and concepts being explored in different grades:
Grade 1
Grade 1 are currently learning to code through 2 different programs. The first is Kodable where students create simple codes to help a character complete a maze. Students also use Scratch Jr to create more open-ended animations.
Grade 2
Grade 2 also use Kodable but will spend more time with Scratch Jr. Students will have specific coding challenges to solve to help develop computational thinking skills and problem solving skills.
Grade 3
Grade 3 were introduced to Scratch Jr for the first time and experimented with some of its features. Later in the year they will be introduced to the more advanced Scratch to learn more about using conditional statements.
Grade 5
Grade 5 will likely see some Exhibition groups explore various aspects of technology and coding and transfer this knowledge to their classmates. In their final unit of the year, there will be opportunities to explore coding and robotics in connection with their Space Exploration unit of inquiry.
