This fall the 5th grade has been working with Scratch, a computer programming language developed by MIT specifically for students. Scratch helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively — essential skills for life in the 21st century.
For the first lessons, the students were introduced to the elements of Scratch. Since this is an icon-based language, students are able to concentrate on the planning and execution of their programs, and not spend as much time on syntax. So the students were given the elements and then allowed to explore.
Secondly, for a few weeks, I introduced a new way to present something. For example, how to tell a story using two characters who talk back and forth and how to "broadcast" when each one will talk. Then how to make a simple game. After the lesson, the students tried to make their own game or conversation.
Most recently, the students, in groups of two or three, were given a word to "Illustrate" using Scatch. They had to define the word, make a plan, and execute the plan.
Please see below for the students' work. I will add them as they are finished. I am proud of all their hard work and problem solving.
They seem very enthusiastic about this, and don't seem to realize how much they are learning!
For the first lessons, the students were introduced to the elements of Scratch. Since this is an icon-based language, students are able to concentrate on the planning and execution of their programs, and not spend as much time on syntax. So the students were given the elements and then allowed to explore.
Secondly, for a few weeks, I introduced a new way to present something. For example, how to tell a story using two characters who talk back and forth and how to "broadcast" when each one will talk. Then how to make a simple game. After the lesson, the students tried to make their own game or conversation.
Most recently, the students, in groups of two or three, were given a word to "Illustrate" using Scatch. They had to define the word, make a plan, and execute the plan.
Please see below for the students' work. I will add them as they are finished. I am proud of all their hard work and problem solving.
They seem very enthusiastic about this, and don't seem to realize how much they are learning!