Year 1 Resources

Around the winter holidays, in this week-long project K students collected data around some specific questions, and then colored and assembled “elf glyphs” as a way to display results in a visual form and analyze them.

Introducing key vocabulary about computing (e.g., sequence, coding, etc.) using a smart board and simple activities.

We used the Beebot robots. One lesson was to practice the commands left, right, backwards and forwards. Another lesson was to create an algorithm on paper and the final lesson was to actually code the algorithm into the Beebot and try to get him through a tape maze on the table- working with a partner.

Students solve some simple addition and subtraction facts using an abacus, and then test their solutions by creating a simple program to move KUBO from point A to B.

Students and I worked together to complete a variety of both offline and online coding activities via Code.org. Together we began working through Course A. Course A offers a computer science curriculum for beginning readers, including Kindergarten students. Students will learn to program using commands like loops and events. The lessons featured in this course also teach students to meaningfully collaborate with others, investigate different problem-solving techniques, persist in the face of challenging tasks, and learn about internet safety.

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We introduced our students to Code.org to help engage them in their learning using technology. Code.org is a computer science curriculum for beginning readers, including Kindergarten students. Students will learn to program using commands like loops and events. The lessons featured in this course also teach students to meaningfully collaborate with others, investigate different problem-solving techniques, persist in the face of challenging tasks, and learn about internet safety.

Examples of using Jamboard with 3rd grade students across writing, science, math, and reading to: communicate ideas; collaborate with peers; collect information; visualize data; compare approaches & information.

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Students choose a bird to investigate, than analyze digital data and their visualization from Cornell Lab of Ornithology to see how birds migrate across the United States, to help them plan a birdwatching adventure.

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I used Bee-bots while teaching a reading intervention to 4th grade students as a way to practice sight words. Since that experience, I have created several mats for Bee-bots to use in math, as well; these focus on fact fluency. I also supported several classroom teachers in using Bee-bots with a variety of grade levels.

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Beebots are programmable “floor robots” that can be used to teach both directional language and programming to young children. This lesson used Beebots in the context of reviewing the life cycle of a bean plant; students would draw a card from the life cycle and then program their Beebot to move to that stage of the board, suing a code system.

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The students completed a Haudenosaunee Longhouse as a final project. Students had to use what we learned in class and had to research longhouse to make a 3-D model. Students needed to make a display in MineCraft and document the using the camera and portfolio book in MineCraft. They then needed to export the file and send it to me in an email.

This unit includes as key components: (1) Research: students read articles about AI and the ways it affects society, using an Advantages/Disadvantages Graphic Organizer; (2) Forming an argument: after a class brainstorming of pros and cons of AI, students chose which side to argue for and prepared their argument; (3) Debate: students engaged in a debate, with each team stating their opening argument and preparing a rebuttal.

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Computer science standards were integrated into projects assigned to students across subject areas to develop a “maker” mindset.

This is the outline of a 3-segment lesson designed to heighten student awareness of the permanence of their digital presence, social media safety, and create dialogue surrounding these issues. To do this, students create a mock Instagram page to present with their classroom peers.

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I created google slide shows for each guided reading book which integrated reading and writing activities, as well as tasks integrating technology such as using Flipgrid to discuss questions or share about a book, or using Storybook to show book scenes and dialogue in a cartoon format. I also added non-fiction texts about how computer technology has changed the world.

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We used AI for Oceans by Code.org for an introductory lesson to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This lesson addressed the K-12 Computer Science and Digital Fluency Learning Standards in the concept areas of Impacts of Computing and Computational Thinking. I taught this lesson to a total of 15 classes of 4th, 5th and 6th graders, meeting only once a week. In this program students classified objects as either “fish” or “not fish” to attempt to remove trash from the ocean. Then, students needed to expand their training data set to include other sea creatures that belong in the water. In the second part of the activity, my students choose their own labels to apply to images of randomly generated fish. The training data is used for a machine learning model that should then be able to label new images on its own. Lastly they learned about the impacts of programming incorrect information and the impacts of such effects on society.

Outline for a research project used as a final for an 8th grade computer class. Students worked to improve their research skills by learning how to navigate different databases available to our district. Students selected a technology topic of interest to them and were required to write research questions, find and read valid sources, pull out key information that helped answer their questions, and then create an artifact with Canva.

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In teams, students were given the task to research, budget and build their gingerbread dream house, and then used information and visuals to “sell” their dream home to a panel of judges.

After completing our Ancient River Valley Civilizations unit in class, I decided to challenge the students by having them become Engineers. They had to work to define and design how Ancient River Civilizations would implement today’s solar or wind technology during the height of their civilizations existence.

Learning to use features of Microsoft Word for a project requiring to creating a poster about “gratitude”, only following technical directions.

I did a social media lesson, it was focused on digital citizenship and digital footprint. I pushed into health classes to do this lesson. Prior to me pushing into the health classes the teacher assigned a task for students to complete before I taught the class.
The assignment was as follows: Students were to keep track of their top three apps and usage daily for five(5) days. Each day they reported their information in the Google classroom. Once data was collected, that information was transferred into a pie chart.

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