Look What They Can Do...
Starting After School Computer Clubs
Why Should You Start a Computer Science Club or Offer a Computer Science Class?
Computer occupations are the NUMBER 1 SOURCE OF ALL NEW WAGES IN THE US.
Current TN Stats
- There are currently 6,389 open computing jobs in TN. (4.4x the state average demand rate)
- No dedicated state funding for CS
- Does not require all high schools to offer CS
- No K-12 CS curriculum standards
- The average salary for a computing occupation in TN is $75,784 (avg. state $42,350)
- 93% of parents want their child's school to teach computer science, but only 40% of schools teach it.
- Students who learn computer science in high school are 6 times more likely to major in it, and women are 10 times more likely.
Data from code.org
SciGirls Code Program
Step 1: Develop Goals and Generate Interest
Overall Goal: Spark and strengthen girls' interest, skills, and confidence as technology creators.
Ideas for generating interest:
- Set up a table at open house to share information with parents
- Meet with classes and do a hands on activity with them to show them how fun it can be.
- Get classroom teachers on board to help promote the program.
- Advertise on website and social media (Twitter can be your best friend)
- Offer incentives (field trip opportunities, tshirt, etc)
- Send flyers home
SciGirls Seven
1. Embrace Collaboration
- Working together in group and partner projects
- Collaborating with role models and mentors
- Sharing ideas, projects, frustrations with girls from other states via flipgrid
FlipGrid! FlipGrid! FlipGrid! https://flipgrid.com/scigirlscode
2. Personally Relevant
- Find out what they are interested in (survey?)
- Find out what they know/experience with CS
- Give them CHOICE
- Give them a VOICE
3. Hands-on and Open Ended
- Design activities with no right or wrong way
- Let them work through their misunderstandings (productive struggle)
- Let them play!
- Encourage them to use their resources
4. Variety of Learning Styles
- Give materials and resources in multiple formats
- Design journals
- Allow for students to work at their own pace
- Variety of activities for all types of learners.
- Group/partner work
5. Provide Meaningful, Effective Feedback
- Have groups share what they have done or what they are working on and give feedback
- One glow and one grow
- Bring in outside parties to give constructive feedback
- Walk around, ask questions, give suggestions
6. Critical Thinking
- Encourage a growth mindset
- Challenging but attainable activities
- Give them materials and let them figure it out.
- Let them show you what they can do!
7. Bring in Role Models and Mentors
Today's Activities
My Robotic Friend
Unplugged coding activity used to show what an algorithm is and how it is used in coding. Using a predefined “Robot Vocabulary” your students will figure out how to guide one another to accomplish specific tasks without discussing them first. This segment teaches students the connection between symbols and actions, as well as the valuable skill of debugging.
What Makes You Shine
By completing this activity the students will
- apply their understanding of simple circuits to new materials.
- create a personally relevant design that demonstrates their understanding of a simple circuit.
View SciGirls Projects
- Growth Mindset posters
- Mobile Apps
- Sphero bots
- Hummingbird duo robots
- e-textile bookmarks
- Paper circuits
- e-textile wearable (lilymini protosnap) project
Unplugged Coding Activities
Computer Science Curriculum
Equipment/Resources
Mobile Apps
Robotics
Hummingbird Duo: A Robotics Kit for Ages 10 to 110. Make and program robots, animatronics, and more with Hummingbird Duo. Duo grows with your abilities, the sky is the limit
E-Textiles
The LilyPad system comprises sewable electronics parts designed to help you build soft, interactive e-textile projects.
Click Here for Lilypad information
Chibitronic stickets lets you add circuitry to art projects creating an interactive greeting card that lights up
Contact Me
Email: tibbsc@rcschools.net
Location: 500 Old Hwy 99, Eagleville, TN, USA
Phone: 615-904-6710
Twitter: @Tibbstechcoach