2016-2017 Elementary Inquiry

Notes 20170227

Inquiry Question: How does a project-based STEM learning environment increase authentic student engagement in Elementary Math, Science and the new Design and Coding curriculum?

As you know, the BC Government mandates that students must “experience a minimum of three modules of Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies ADST in each of Grades 6 and 7”.

Each teacher would be able to test a complete set of lesson plans and student handouts for each Project-based module, for both "Digital" (device-based) and “Unplugged” (paper-based) activities.

I am offering to share 3 teachable modules addressing the new ADST curriculum, specifically:

Computational Thinking (CT)

simple algorithms that reflect computational thinking; for sorting, searching, sequence, selection, and repetition; specific statements to complete a simple task; cryptography and code breaking (e.g., cyphers)
visual representations of problems and data; graphs, charts, network diagrams, info graphics, flow charts, lists, tables, or arrays
evolution of programming languages; historical perspectives, evolution (e.g., Ada Lovelace, punch cards, Hollerith, Grace Hopper, Alan Turing, Enigma, cyphers)
visual programming; for example, Kodu, Scratch
CT-PDP
Introducing Computational Thinking - GfE

CT-Plugged

CT-Unplugged

CS Unplugged

Harold the Robot - In this activity children simply give directions to a “robot” (either an adult or another child) and find out which instructions the robot is able to follow, and how their instructions are taken literally.
Phylogenetics - Bioinformatics is a discipline that combines computer science and biology. Bioinformatics uses the algorithms and technology of computer science, mathematics, and statistics to solve problems for biology. For example, it has allowed biologists to reconstruct phylogenetic (evolutionary) trees using computer science techniques such as string matching, edit distance, and matrices. This activity lets students participate in the process of reconstructing a phylogenetic tree and introduces them to several core bioinformatics concepts. It’s a good exercise for classes in biology (evolution), bioinformatics (phylogenetics), or mathematics (matrices). It’s suitable for ages ten and up, and doesn’t require too much prior knowledge: just following instructions, writing, and basic math.

Exploring Computational Thinking (ECT) - Google for Education

Code.org Unplugged

CT - code.org Unplugged Monster Cataolog pdf
- site:https://studio.code.org/unplugged - GSearch
- CS Fundamentals Unplugged
- CS Fundamentals for Courses 1 - 4 pdf
- Code Studio Lesson Keys for Courses 1 - 4 pdf
- https://studio.code.org/unplugged/unplug1.pdf | unplug1.pdf Intro to the Art of Computer Science; Main Goal: Give the class a clear understanding of what computer science is and how it could be helpful in their lives.
  - Binary Decoder Key
  - Graph paper or Binary Strips
  - Markers
- https://studio.code.org/unplugged/unplug2.pdf | unplug2.pdf Computational Thinking; Main Goal: Introduce the “Computational Thinking” model as a way of preparing real-world problems for digital representation.
  - Monster Catalog (1 per group)
  - Blank pieces of paper (3 per person)
- https://studio.code.org/unplugged/unplug3.pdf | unplug3.pdf Graph Paper Programming; Main Goal: Help students understand how “coding” works.
  - Sample Drawings/Algorithms Kit
  - Programming Instructions Card
  - Large grid graph paper
  - Markers, pens, or pencils (two or three colors)
- https://studio.code.org/unplugged/unplug4.pdf | unplug4.pdf Algorithms; Main Goal: Explain that the same thing can be accomplished many different ways, and sometimes there are “better” ways than others.
  - Tangram Image Pack (one set per pair)
  - Tangram Pieces (one set per pair)
  - Graph paper (five or six sheets per pair)
  - One piece of blank paper
- https://studio.code.org/unplugged/unplug5.pdf | unplug5.pdf Functions; Main Goal: Illustrate how repetitive tasks can be stored in a small group that can be “called” several times, instead of wasting space with lots of copies of the same instruction.
  - One foot of string, thread, or fishing line per student
  - 2-4 beads per student
  - 2-4 other accessories (buttons, hoops, spacers) per student
  - One special bead, prism, or student-made sun charm per student
  - One Skills Sheet per group
- https://studio.code.org/unplugged/unplug6.pdf | unplug6.pdf Conditionals: (Coding with Cards); Main Goal: This lesson will introduce conditionals, especially as they pertain to loops and if statements.
  - 1 set of Program Pages per class (This has at least one sample program on it)
  - 1 deck of playing cards
- https://studio.code.org/unplugged/unplug7.pdf | unplug7.pdf Song Writing; Main Goal: Learn how to define and call functions.
  - Paper and pencils for writing songs
  - Printouts of famous children’s songs with lyrics that change slightly
- https://studio.code.org/unplugged/unplug8.pdf | unplug8.pdf Abstraction; Main Goal: Help students to see how often they use abstraction in their everyday life.
  - Paper, pencils, and printed copies of stories for every student
- https://studio.code.org/unplugged/unplug9.pdf | unplug9.pdf Relay Programming; Main Goal: Emphasize the importance of checking your work and writing programs in proper sequence.
  - Sample Drawings/Algorithms Kit from lesson 4
  - Programming Instructions Card
  - Large grid graph paper
  - Blank notecards or pieces of paper
  - Markers, pens, or pencils (two or three colors)
- https://studio.code.org/unplugged/unplug10.pdf | unplug10.pdf The Internet; Main Goal: Students will learn how the Internet works, as it relates to URL addresses and web pages.
  - DNS Translation Table
  - Server Address Name Tags
  - Message Packets
  - 10 envelopes
  - Scissors
- https://studio.code.org/unplugged/unplug11.pdf | unplug11.pdf Wrap-Up; Main Goal: Prepare the class for continued learning in computer science.
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- This is up to the instructor. It’s a good idea to have a large variety of items to pique the classroom interest and prompt clever inventions. Some inspiring materials tend to be:
  - Battery-operated tea lights
  - Aluminum foil
  - Paper clips
  - Markers
  - Paper (lined, blank, graph, construction)
  - Scissors
  - Tape
  - Fake coins/money
  - Beads
  - tring
  - Popsicle sticks
  - Pipe cleaners 
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Media Arts (DM)

digital and non-digital media, and their distinguishing characteristics and uses; for example, video production, layout and design, graphics and images, photography (digital and traditional), emerging media processes (performance art, collaborative work, sound art, network art)
techniques for using images, sounds, and text to communicate information, settings, ideas, and story structure; for example, crop, print, record/capture, sequence
media technologies and techniques to capture, edit, and manipulate images, sounds, and text for specific purposes
influences of digital media for the purpose of communication and self-expression

DM - PDP

DM - Unplugged

Letting Math Teachers Steer: Keeping Grounded with the Empirical Trajectories
8-bit art with post-its
Learning Trajectories in Math - pdf

DM - Plugged

- Scratch

- CS Discoveries - code.org

Computers and Communications Devices (CCD)

computer system architecture, including hardware and software, network infrastructure (local), intranet/Internet, and personal communication devices
strategies for identifying and troubleshooting simple hardware and software problems
function of input and output devices, including 3D printing and adaptive technologies for those with special needs
ergonomics in use of computers and computing devices
effective and efficient keyboarding techniques

CCD PDP

CCD Plugged

CCD Unplugged

How Computers Work - cse4k12.org
cse4k12.org - A collection of handouts, worksheets and other documents to help teach Computer Science and Engineering concepts.
How the Internet Works
How the Internet Works (activity for elementary/middle school)

Core Competencies

ADST Big Ideas

Design can be responsive to identified needs.
Complex tasks require the acquisition of additional skills.
Complex tasks may require multiple tools and technologies.

ADST Curricular Competencies

Understanding context
- Empathize with potential users to find issues and uncover needs and potential design opportunities
  - share the feelings and understand the needs of others to inform design
  - may include self, peers, younger children, family or community members, customers, plants, or animals
Defining
- Choose a design opportunity
- Identify key features or potential users and their requirements
- Identify criteria for success and any constraints
  - limiting factors such as task or user requirements, materials, expense, environmental impact, issues of appropriation, and knowledge that is considered sacred
Ideating
- Generate potential ideas and add to others’ ideas
- Screen ideas against criteria and constraints
- Evaluate personal, social, and environmental impacts and ethical considerations
- Choose an idea to pursue
Prototyping
- Identify and use sources of information
- Develop a plan that identifies key stages and resources
- Explore and test a variety of materials for effective use
- Construct a first version of the product or a prototype, as appropriate, making changes to tools, materials, and procedures as needed
- Record iterations of prototyping
  - including seeking knowledge from other people as experts (e.g., First Peoples Elders), secondary sources, and collective pools of knowledge in communities and collaborative atmospheres
  - for example, a physical product, a process, a system, a service, or a designed environment
  - repetitions of a process with the aim of approaching a desired result
Testing
- Test the first version of the product or the prototype
- Gather peer and/or user and/or expert feedback and inspiration
- Make changes, troubleshoot, and test again
Making
- Identify and use appropriate tools, technologies, and materials for production
- Make a plan for production that includes key stages, and carry it out, making changes as needed
- Use materials in ways that minimize waste
  - things that extend human capabilities
Sharing
- Decide on how and with whom to share their product
- Demonstrate their product and describe their process, using appropriate terminology and providing reasons for their selected solution and modifications
- Evaluate their product against their criteria and explain how it contributes to the individual, family, community, and/or environment
- Reflect on their design thinking and processes, and evaluate their ability to work effectively both as individuals and collaboratively in a group, including their ability to share and maintain an efficient co-operative work space
- Identify new design issues
  - may include showing to others, use by others, giving away, or marketing and selling
Demonstrate an awareness of precautionary and emergency safety procedures in both physical and digital environments
Identify and evaluate the skills and skill levels needed, individually or as a group, in relation to a specific task, and develop them as needed
Select, and as needed learn about, appropriate tools and technologies to extend their capability to complete a task
Identify the personal, social, and environmental impacts, including unintended negative consequences, of the choices they make about technology use
Identify how the land, natural resources, and culture influence the development and use of tools and technologies

2016-2017 Elementary Inquiry Feb Notes