Sun Terrace Technology Times
A monthly newsletter of tech tips, tricks and resources.
Computer Science
Website Page
Unit 1 Review
What we are working on in K-2
Resources for you:
Impacts of Computing Digital Citizenship Videos K-2
The standards we are working on are:
CSTA 1A-AP-10: Develop programs with sequences and simple loops, to express ideas or address a problem.
CSTA 1A-AP-11: Decompose the steps needed to solve a problem into a precise sequence of instructions.
CSTA 1A-AP-12: Develop plans that describe a program's sequence of events, goals, and expected outcomes.
CSTA 1A-AP-14: Debug errors in an algorithm or program that includes sequences and simple loops.
All lessons and resources used can be found at K-2 Computer Science Curriculum.
What we are working on in grade 3.
November is when our third graders will branch off and begin their work on the chromebooks programming with Scratch Jr. ScratchJr is a developmentally appropriate programming language designed specifically for children aged five through seven by teams at Tufts University and MIT. Using the ScratchJr app, children can create their own interactive collages, animated stories, games, and other programs. In this unit, which can be further divided into two modules, students will learn a series of concepts and skills that are applied in two primary creative projects -- an interactive collage and an animated story. Through these lessons, students will learn how to express their own ideas in a way that a computer can understand. These lessons were designed to support students working individually and in pairs, with 1-2 chromebooks per pair.
Resources for you:
The standards we are working on are:
CSTA 1A-CS-01: Select and operate appropriate software to perform a variety of tasks, and recognize that users have different needs and preferences for the technology they use.
CSTA 1A-AP-10: Develop programs with sequences and simple loops, to express ideas or address a problem.
All lessons and resources used can be found at K-2 Computer Science Curriculum.
What we are working on in 4-5
This month students will use a variety of tools to create algorithms and build programs focused on events. They will first learn about events with an unplugged lesson, then practice that concept in Code Studio. Students will extend their knowledge by producing a creative project in Scratch that incorporates elements of physical computing in the final product. Along the way, students will also debug problematic programs, critique each other's work, and reflect on their own progress.
Resources for you:
The standards we are working on are:
CSTA 1B-AP-10: Create programs that include sequences, events, loops, and conditionals
CSTA 1B-AP-16: Take of varying roles, with teacher guidance, when collaborating with peers during the design, implementation, and review stages of program development.
CSTA 1B-CS-02: Model how computer hardware and software work together as a system to accomplish tasks.
CSTA 1B-AP-18: Discuss computing technologies that have changed the world, and express how those technologies influence, and are influenced by, cultural practices.
All lessons and resources can be found at 3-5 Computer Science Curriculum
Computer Science in your classroom
Code.org
Course A
Recommended for Kindergarten (Supports pre-readers)
Teaches basic programming concepts such as loops and events. Lessons also teach students to collaborate with others meaningfully, investigate different problem-solving techniques, persist in the face of difficult tasks, and learn about internet safety. At the end of this course, students create their very own custom game or story they can share.
Course B
Recommended for 1st grade (Supports pre-readers)
Closely parallels Course A, but provides more complex unplugged activities and more variety in puzzles. Covers the basics of programming, collaboration techniques, investigation and critical thinking skills, persistence in the face of difficulty, and internet safety. At the end of this course, students create their very own custom game they can share.
Course C
Recommended for 2nd grade
Students will create programs with loops, events, and conditionals. They will translate their initials into binary, investigate different problem-solving techniques, and discuss how to respond to cyberbullying. By the end of the course, students will create interactive games that they can share.
Course D
Recommended for 3rd grade
Students develop their understanding of algorithms, nested loops, while loops, conditionals, and events. Beyond coding, students learn about digital citizenship.
Course E
Recommended for 4th grade
Students will practice coding with algorithms, loops, conditionals, and events before they are introduced to functions. In the second part of the course, students design and create a capstone project they can share.
Course F
Recommended for 5th grade
Students create programs with different kinds of loops, events, functions, and conditionals. They will also investigate different problem-solving techniques and discuss societal impacts of computing and the internet. In the second part of this course students design and create a capstone project they can share.
Code.org FREE Online Professional Development
Teaching Computer Science Fundamentals is intended as an introduction to computer science fundamentals and the Code.org K-5 resources for teachers. Through reading, viewing videos, completing interactive puzzles and reflecting on your learning, you'll develop your own understanding while preparing to teach computer science in your classroom.
Learning Objectives
Through completing this online course, participants will:
- Learn the basics of computer science
- Review best practices for teaching these basics to your students
- Access free curriculum and resources for teachers
- Plan for how you might get started teaching Computer Science Basics
- Connect with a community of fellow educators who are making positive change in their classrooms through coding
Pre-requisites
No previous experience with coding or computer science education is assumed. This is a beginner's course. To check it out click on the button below!
Tech Bytes
HyperDocs by Subject
Flipgrid
SeeSaw Activites!
In Case You Missed It =)
Novel HyperDocs
Don't see the one you're looking for? We can create one together for a book you are planning to read with your class!
Thanks for reading! Hope you found the resources useful.
Email: mourakd@mdusd.org
Website: karlymoura.blogspot.com
Twitter: @KarlyMoura