DCS STEM Class

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:

Over the past few weeks, our second grade students have been designing and preparing to build fairy houses. We learned that building fairy houses is a tradition that has its roots in Maine and that they are constructed from natural materials that are combined in interesting ways to create shelters, furniture, gardens, and other features that might entice a fairy to stop by for a visit. One of our second grade classes got outside to build their houses last week, while a rainstorm led to the other class having to build theirs this week. The following photos illustrate what a difference that week made in terms of weather and access to another natural material for fairy house building!

For their first major project of the year, 3rd and 4th grade students tackled creating marble run components using recycled materials and assorted craft supplies. Their creations needed to meet three success criteria: This project generated a great deal of excitement and sparked a lot of creativity, both in terms of elements that could be included in the marble track and in considering unique ways to use materials. Check out some of the final products below.

This week's PreK STEM class revolved around the song "5 Little Pumpkins." The poem/song opens with five pumpkins sitting on a gate on Halloween night. PreK engineers were thus tasked with creating a fence that could hold up five pumpkins. Check out a few of their creative solutions below!