K-2 Students Are Computer Scientists!

Students in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade have begun learning about computer science. In class, we are learning that computer science is the study of how we can use computers to accomplish tasks and to express ourselves.

Our first activities have been "unplugged" -- meaning that we are learning about aspects of how computers and programming work without actually using a computer.

First and second graders learned about algorithms -- a set of steps to complete a task -- by creating step-by-step directions to help our new friend Ruby (from Hello Ruby) visit with each of her friends.

In their second lesson, first and second graders are learning about loops -- a repeated sequence of steps -- by creating their own dance routines.

In kindergarten, we started our work in computer science by drawing what we think computers look like and describing as many of their parts as possible. In our second lesson, students learned that computers use an input from humans to know what to do and then create an output. We learned about some of the ways humans can input information to computers -- microphones, touch screens, keyboards, buttons -- and some of the possible outputs -- a screen display, 2D or 3D printed items, sound, or movement. We then used our imaginations to turn classroom items into computers!

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7th & 8th Graders Code In Python

In their first computer science project of the year, our 7th and 8th graders took a big step in their journeys as programmers -- moving from block-based to text-based coding. In previous STEM projects, students have used tools that allow them to snap together code "blocks" to make things happen. In this unit, they were responsible for typing commands to tell the computer how to execute actions. The image below shows the difference between text-based coding and block-based coding. While there are many different text-based coding languages, our 7th & 8th graders learned skills in Python, due to its beginner-friendly nature. Still, making this transition is not easy, so students were provided with resources and modules to work through that allowed them to have some starting directions and then challenged them to stretch their thinking by generating their own additions and modifications. Here's a look at a project, called "Turtle Race," in action: https:

7th & 8th Graders Showcase Automata!

Several times each year, our school specialist team works together to create integrated units of study, where students explore a common theme through each of our content areas -- art, music, library/multimedia, PE, and STEM. Our 7th and 8th graders recently completed a Winter Carnival themed unit, where they worked on creating products or performances to showcase during a special carnival event for students in grades PK-2. In STEM class, students designed, built, and improved automata, which are mechanical devices that generate motion through a series of spinning cams, axles, and cam followers. Image Source: Adafruit The following success criteria guided the work for our 7th & 8th grade students: The automata must have a winter theme. The automata must feature at least one element that spins, goes up or down, or moves side to side. The automata design must include at least 10 different materials. Additionally, students were challenged to create autom

7th & 8th Experiments with LittleBits & Makey Makeys

After completing their Technology Take Apart projects, students in the 7th and 8th grade spent time experimenting with LittleBits electronics and Makey Makey kits. The Makey Makey, shown below in the banana piano photo and video clips, is a tool that engages students in physical computing and offers endless possibilities for using physical items to provide input to a computer.

DCS STEM Class

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