What first grader doesn't love robots? Most students this age do not understand the abstract concept of coding. They aren't aware that a robot will ONLY do what it is coded to do. Most books and movies our children see with robot characters lead them to believe that robots can do, think, feel, and express themselves the same way that humans do. As adults, we know that these aren't facts.
Through the use of technology, my students will develop their creative world of Robotics and Coding. Not only will my students learn how to code robots, but they will also use them to reinforce the other content areas of education. For example, we can make a grid to review addition facts by coding the robot to reach the sum of an addition problem and travel to that spot on the grid. We can create a story map that that allows the students to develop the story elements of their own personal writing.
Over the summer I took part in a Robotics training that I KNOW my students would love! We were introduced to Botley the Coding Robot and the CODE-A-PILLAR. These instruments promote Computational (analytical) Thinking--skills that draw on concepts from computer science. They also break down the key components of: DECOMPOSITION, PATTERN RECOGNITION, ABSTRACTION, AND ALGORITHMS. With all of the technology at our finger tips, I feel it would be important for students to learn the HOW things work.
Let's be honest...technology is everywhere. The use of electronics by children at younger ages is more and more evident. Why not give them the opportunity to develop, problem solve, and analyze their own creations?
About my class
What first grader doesn't love robots? Most students this age do not understand the abstract concept of coding. They aren't aware that a robot will ONLY do what it is coded to do. Most books and movies our children see with robot characters lead them to believe that robots can do, think, feel, and express themselves the same way that humans do. As adults, we know that these aren't facts.
Through the use of technology, my students will develop their creative world of Robotics and Coding. Not only will my students learn how to code robots, but they will also use them to reinforce the other content areas of education. For example, we can make a grid to review addition facts by coding the robot to reach the sum of an addition problem and travel to that spot on the grid. We can create a story map that that allows the students to develop the story elements of their own personal writing.
Over the summer I took part in a Robotics training that I KNOW my students would love! We were introduced to Botley the Coding Robot and the CODE-A-PILLAR. These instruments promote Computational (analytical) Thinking--skills that draw on concepts from computer science. They also break down the key components of: DECOMPOSITION, PATTERN RECOGNITION, ABSTRACTION, AND ALGORITHMS. With all of the technology at our finger tips, I feel it would be important for students to learn the HOW things work.
Let's be honest...technology is everywhere. The use of electronics by children at younger ages is more and more evident. Why not give them the opportunity to develop, problem solve, and analyze their own creations?
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