Computer Science Education Jessica Gorman and Crystal Noel Computer Systems ( )

What is the Scratch Program at Cardinal Forest Elementary School? 45 min class weekly Origins of the Program  Gates  Allard What do we do?  curriculum developing process  lesson agenda

What is Scratch? Scratch  Developed by MIT  Why Scratch? “kid friendly” Drag and drop text Multimedia/ visually focused

Developing a Curriculum Topics  Integration of SOL topics Science History Math  Coordinate system  Problem solving Pseudo code Splitting a problem into steps  Beginning comp sci skills loops Methods (when “green flag” clicked, go to v glide)

Timeline October - November: - Basic scratch skills December - January: -Teacher designed programs - Identify students interested in independent design February-May: - more freedom in project design in class projects -Student Projects

Shapes Project

Winter Wonderland Project

Fish Game Project

Benefits of a Computer Science Education? Research focus  Benefits of a comp sci a young age?  Type of child who benefits the most Procedure  Distribute survey throughout year Personality Learning ability

(Expected) Results Possible benefits  Problem solving  Teamwork  Following directions  Abstract thinking

Observations -A: student w/ behavioral issues -one of brightest 2 nd graders -issues in the classroom -never had problem in Scratch -understood had to be respectful if wanted to learn -B: quiet student -barely talked to other students/ teachers -very intelligent -once asked to help his neighbor -now, loves making his rounds to help the others

Designing Computer Programs in Elementary School Research Focus: Value in Program Design -problem solving skills -troubleshooting -independence -creativity

Project Design Make your own rubric activities Project Choices –PacMan –Super Mario –Dodgeball –Story