About Programming
Our school was a 1:1 iPad school where every student grades K-8 had an iPad. This year (2019-2020), the 6th - 8th graders got MacBooks and with an iPad cart.
For programming on the iPad we use Scratch Jr.and PBS Scratch Jr .with the younger kids. Both of these apps have the same features, but use different characters. Scratch Jr. uses the MIT Sprites (term for characters) and PBS Scratch Jr. uses PBS Kids characters. We use Hopscotch with the older kids. Pyonkee is another app that we've used in the past. Pyonkee is an older version of Scratch that was ported over to the iPad. We like Hopscotch better because the concept is similar to Scratch, but was developed for the iPad and incorporates the functionality of the iPad in its features. The new version of Scratch (web app) works on an iPad, but we haven't had time to try it.
We plan to explore text based programming languages for the Middle School, now that they have a full sized computer with keyboard. Will keep you posted.
This page has information to help students understand what a computer is and how they work:
Code.org Video Library code.org/educate/resources/videoshas videos on
For programming on the iPad we use Scratch Jr.and PBS Scratch Jr .with the younger kids. Both of these apps have the same features, but use different characters. Scratch Jr. uses the MIT Sprites (term for characters) and PBS Scratch Jr. uses PBS Kids characters. We use Hopscotch with the older kids. Pyonkee is another app that we've used in the past. Pyonkee is an older version of Scratch that was ported over to the iPad. We like Hopscotch better because the concept is similar to Scratch, but was developed for the iPad and incorporates the functionality of the iPad in its features. The new version of Scratch (web app) works on an iPad, but we haven't had time to try it.
We plan to explore text based programming languages for the Middle School, now that they have a full sized computer with keyboard. Will keep you posted.
This page has information to help students understand what a computer is and how they work:
Code.org Video Library code.org/educate/resources/videoshas videos on
- How Computers Work
- How the Internet Works
- Computer Science Principles
- The Basics of Computer Science
- Inspirational Videos
What is a computer program?
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How computer programs work.
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Think like a computer.
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What are Computers for Kids | Intro to Computers | Programming for Kids
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BrainPOP: Computer Programming.
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MIT Explains: How to Make a Video Game (and how programming works)
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Unplugged Activities
These activities are an excellent way to introduce students to the concept of Computer Programming without the use of a computer.
Human Computer Application Activity
Students will learn about hardware, software, and applications. They will reinforce their understanding by mimicking a computer. Students will pair up. One student will be designated the computer and the other the application software. They’ll sit back-to-back. The "application software" person will be given a drawing and will tell the "computer" what to draw by describing shape, size, location, etc. It demonstrates the function of hardware and software and the importance of providing clear specific instructions.
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Peanut Butter and Jelly Program Activity
Ask kids to create a program to make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich. You can find the planning here. http://code-it.co.uk/csplanning.html. The following video shows a collection of algorithm errors / great debugging opportunities that Y4 & Y5 pupils found when trying to program their teacher.
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Cup Stacking Activity
Using a predefined “Robot Vocabulary” students will figure out how to guide one another to accomplish specific tasks (stacking cups) without discussing them first. This segment teaches students the connection between symbols and actions, as well as the valuable skill of debugging. NOTE: The kids were a little confused about the half steps.
Happy Maps Activity
The Happy Maps activity is a simpler activity that teaches the same concept.
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Mapping the Way Home from SchoolIn this lesson students will be able to...
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Sorting NetworksHere's a lesson that teaches kids how computers sort information. This is a great activity to use in conjunction with teaching students about sorting other things such as sorting word study words in alphabetical order or using spreadsheets to sort data.
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Other ResourcesThere are unplugged activities by Code.Org for the Hour of Code
Here is another site that has a wide variety of well thought out unplugged activities.
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