Blocks to Robots Constructionist Approach to Project Based Learning for New STEM Teachers Author & Presenter: Michael Kutch New Teacher Orientation 2010

Today’s Educational Demands Modern Expectations of Education: Emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Develop an understanding of how the world around us functions Balance content with appropriate workplace skills: Teamwork, Troubleshooting, Problem Solving, Filtering through “information overload”

Constructionism vs. Constructivism Piaget’s Constructivism Papert’s Constructionism Papert’s physical constructions serve to support Piaget’s mental constructions. Physical Constructions Mental Constructions Piaget’s Schema Physical Robots

Beyond Traditional Construction Traditional, Static construction Dynamic, programmable construction

The Four Elements of Constructionism 1. Design meaningful projects 2. Use concrete objects to build and explore 3. Identify powerful ideas 4. Engage in self reflection Robotic construction kits alone do not constitute constructionism, implementation requires 4 principles:

I. Meaningful Projects Projects must be: Structured enough to meet curricular needs… yet …Flexible enough to account for student interests and ideas. Core-Content Standards Differentiation Projects must provide authentic opportunities for children to share: Products… …Processes and notes photos videos, etc.

II. Concrete Objects to Build “Constructionism recognizes the importance of ‘objects to think with’ and proposes new technologies…as the new generation of learning manipulatives” (Bers, 2008, p. 21) Physical Object (atoms)Program (bits)

III. Powerful Ideas Powerful IdeasEssential Questions Lead to, Prompt, Answer Can be either process or content specific and “afford new ways of thinking, new ways of putting knowledge to use, and new ways of making personal and epistemlogical connections” (Bers, 2008, p. 23). The ideas of constructionism The fundamental questions of Understanding by Design (UbD, Wiggins & McTighe)

IV. Learning about Learning: Metacognition Documentation Thinking about thinking Notes, photos, and videos document the process of building a robot… Documentation makes learning visible Visible learning leads to consideration of the learning process Public displays of learning motivate students to make sense of their own learning styles

Conditions Required Conditions Promoting PTD: Identity Construction Environments The Six-C’s Does your choice of technology address each of these factors? What environmental factors must change to meet these conditions?

Identity Construction Environments Meet 10 criteria, items 1-5: 1. Safe Space 2. Support Introspection 3. Provide design-based activities 4. Provide tools for complex representations of self 5. Provide flexible ways of expressing powerful ideas Computers & Digital Technology provide powerful means of expression

Identity Construction Environments – continued… 6. Provide opportunities for narrative expression 7. Engages users for long periods 8. Uses networked technologies to enhance communication 9. Supports passage from knowledge to action 10. Promotes partnerships, both peer-peer and peer- teacher, throughout process

Six C’s A learning environment must develop the “six C’s” of thriving individuals: Competence Confidence Caring Connection Character Contribution

Controlled Chaos & Handling it To Maintain “Control”: Assign team members specific roles Discuss issues with teams of like-roles End instruction with whole class discussion time, and document where you left off Allow “free-building” over specific instructions especially as skills are mastered Its okay to not be the source of all answers Teacher LecturerTeacher Mentor Perceived ControlPerceived Chaos Little Authentic Learning Much Authentic Learning

Additional Suggestions Technology Circles Most project work happens in individual groups Technology circles unite the whole class Focus on general issues, observations, progress reports, and comments Just in Time (JIT) Teaching Some of the questions gleaned from technology circles will hit on powerful ideas Teach topics in short sessions, just as students need them

Resources Books: Bers, M. (2008). Blocks to robots: Learning with technology in the early childhood classroom. New York: Teachers College Press. Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Photo Credits: _New_York_City.jpg _New_York_City.jpg tank.com/COOL%20STUFF/files/page51_blog_entry12_1.gif tank.com/COOL%20STUFF/files/page51_blog_entry12_1.gif

Photo Credits, con’t photo_ friendly-cartoon-robot.jpg photo_ friendly-cartoon-robot.jpg F JPG 003F JPG raises-hand-classroom-I jpg raises-hand-classroom-I jpg