In 2022 – 2023 Third Graders will attend Creative Computing classes two time a cycle for 45 minutes each time. This time provides a playful space and time to explore Computer Programming, Engineering and Design.
Robotics
Students will explore basic computational thinking concepts: decomposition, pattern recognition, and algorithms as they program Finch robots with block-based code.
Students begin to explore coding the Finch robot with FinchBlox
Scratch
Students will receive a school Scratch account that they can use at school or at home. Scratch programming activities include drawing characters called sprites, animating them, and using these sprites to create simple games. With Scratch’s video sensing technology, students will activate their projects with a ‘magic” wand that they craft from branches, fabric and other found materials. The Scratch unit continues to build computational thinking skills and is a way for students to practice Digital Citizenship by becoming a member of the Scratch online community.
Creative Computing with original art in Scratch
Digital Citizenship
The theme of being respectful and safe when using devices and accounts weaves through classes. In addition to learning about responsible Scratch use, students also practice Digital Citizenship as they begin to other tools such as their new Google Drive accounts and our new Third and Fourth grade learning management system, Canvas. All Digital Citizenship activities reinforce password security and positive collaboration.
Choice
During choice classes, students are encouraged to explore many hand-on possibilities that enliven our Creative Computing space, including:
Building extensions to the Finch robot with Lego
Construction collaborative paths for Ozobot robot to follow
Teaming up to build marble run structures
Designing with applications such as ProCreate (on iPads ) and Tinkercad
Cutting coded geometric shapes with the Cricut Maker
