Computer Science for Young Minds By: Paul Im
Abstract Limited efforts to educate younger students Goal: to implement computer programming to educate elementary and/or middle school students in math and science. Figure 1: Java logowww.lucidsys.net/lucid_services. htmlwww.lucidsys.net/lucid_services. html
Introduction Every day, technology becomes more advanced and accessible Little progress made at elementary school level Scope: effective usage of teaching methods and basic programming Most likely choice for programming language: Scratch Final project: improved curriculum Expected results: students learn computer programming
Background Computer programming-uses conventional languages for high school Scratch-kid friendly programming language Figure 2: Unofficial Scratch Profile Image
Background cont’d Programs like this done before 2007: Gregory Gates at Cardinal Forest Elementary Figure 3: Cardinal Forest Elementary School computer lab
Development Auxiliary research Emphasis on teaching methods Oriented toward elementary school Projects Ranging from individual to group Varying levels of intervention
Procedures Curriculum-expanding on predecessor’s ideas Improvements required Webcam-contacting classroom live from long distance Figure 4: Scratch students at Cardinal Forest Elementary
Timeline October: begincurriculumJune: end ofcourseNovember: usedScratch tocreate programsMay: final projects
Problems Incompatibility Latest Scratch for Linux: 1.2 Required: 1.3 Few formal sources for Scratch Transportation No car Timing Different period
Sample Algorithm Figure 5: Prototype Tutorial Program