Coding and Making with a Purpose (21CL)

Constructionism provides a framework for hands-on and creative ways for students to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in math, science and engineering. In this session, we will examine how 4th grade students at SSIS have been learning about engineering, design and programming within a fully integrated unit focused on coding for a purpose, energy and service-based learning.

Participants will learn how coding can be used to create software that performs actions in the physical world. We will reflect on how computer languages provide an open canvas for creativity that, through the use of sensors, motors and lights, can empower students to bridge the gap between the physical and the digital world. During this workshop, participants will be exposed to design-based activities using creative technologies, like Scratch, MaKeyMaKeys and Hummingbirds. Participants will walk away with resources and ideas, inspired to start projects in their schools.

CURRICULUM MATERIALS

Design Notebook
Scratch Planning Document
Checklist for Fantasy Story
Fantasy Game: Coding with Scratch

ACTIVITY CARDS

SCRATCH RESOURCES

Printable Blocks
Lesson Plans

INTRODUCTION TO THE HUMMINGBIRD ROBOTICS KIT

e-Book (iBooks Author)
Comic Book (PDF)

SCRATCH 2.0 AND HUMMINGBIRD PROJECTS:

Name Description Difficulty
Traffic Light Build a working traffic light out of LEDs Beginner
Burglar Alarm Flash LEDsĀ and vibrate when someone gets too close Beginner
Rainbow LED Make a tri-color LED fade through the colors of the rainbow Intermediate
Dimmer LED & Servo Control a servo and LED with a rotation sensor Intermediate
Sprite Sizer Make the cat sprite bigger or smaller with the distance sensor Intermediate
Combination Lock Utilize variables and procedures to make the Hummingbird turn a servo when someone enters the correct combination Advanced

OTHER HUMINGBIRD PROJECTS:

Dog
Dinosaur
Horse

SCRATCH 2.0 AND MAKEYMAKEY PROJECTS:

Introductory video
MakeyMakey Projects
MakeyMakey How To and Try Out Software

SSIS SAMPLE PROJECTS

Fantasy Coding Game

Fantasy Story

 

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