Skip to main content

1st Grade Computer Programming: From BeeBots to Computers


For the past several weeks, our first graders have been working hard on growing their computer programming skills. After completing our "unplugged" coding activities (read more about that here), students began programming a physical object -- our BeeBot robots.

Students spent time in small groups exploring how their BeeBots work, and then programming it to complete challenges, such as making it perform the steps in a "bug dance." The students used movement cards to help them plan, discuss, and execute their algorithms.



After working with their BeeBots for a few classes, students transitioned to coding using a block-based language on our computers. In their first set of puzzles, the students needed to create algorithms that would help to move the Angry Bird to reach the pig character. Students are excited and demonstrating excellent persistence as they work through these increasingly-challenging puzzles.




Comments

Post a Comment

Use the form below to provide a response to a post. Feel free to ask questions and offer suggestions, but please maintain a respectful tone of discussion.

Popular posts from this blog

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:
Post a Comment
Read more

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
Post a Comment
Read more

BeeBot Challenges in 1st and 2nd Grade!

Students in first and second grade spent their week in the STEM lab working on a series of challenges that required them to combine engineering and programming skills. We also practiced two of our STEM mindsets -- Imagine Possibilities and Embrace Challenges. Check out some photos and two videos from their work!
Post a Comment
Read more