Computer Science Strand




Group 1: Computational Thinking

Video

Using Conditional Formatting in Google Sheets to Support Students' Understanding of Decimals in a 5th Grade Classroom
Alana Suggs, Honeoye Central School District

Standards addressed: 4-6.CT.1, 5.NBT.1, 5.NBT.3
Grade(s): 5
Subject(s): Math

Students learned to format a pixel art design using conditional formatting. After completing their design, they identified the fraction and decimal of each color used to practice writing decimals to the hundredths place. 

Video

Computational Thinking with Astronomy Data
Nicole Lofton, Red Jacket Elementary/Manchester-Shortsville CSD

Standards addressed: 5-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-2, 4-6.CT.3, 4-6.CT.4
Grade(s): 5
Subject(s): Science

Students begin each lesson by observing, questioning, examining, and analyzing various data visualizations that relate to the content taught within the science lesson. 

Additional Resources: Link to additional resources

Video

Enhancing Data Visualization Skills in Fifth Grade Astronomy
Blayne Pierce, Manchester-Shortsville CSD

Standards addressed: 5-PS2-1, 5-ESS1-1, 5-ESS1-2, 4-6.CT.3, 4-6.CT.4
Grade(s): 5
Subject(s): Science

Students examine data visualizations relating to astronomy topics and break apart the visualization to make sense of them. Each visualization was used as an anticipatory set for the main content lesson of our district's astronomy unit.  

Additional Resources: Link to additional resources



Group 2: Coding

Video

TinkerCad and Roof Building
Amanda Harris, Canandaigua Elementary School

Standards addressed: 2.3.IC.3, 2.3.IC.4, 2.3.CT.1, 2.3.DL.1, 2.3.DL.4
Grade(s): 3
Subject(s): Science

The culminating activity for our first Smithsonian Science Unit is to use data to determine what roofing shape and material their soccer stadium should have. Starting with google docs and ending with tinkercad.com, I scaffolded their experience to build and create their roof in a 3D model. 

Additional Resources: Roof Project Slide Deck

Video Coming Soon

Block Coding with the Blockly App and Dash Robots
Michelle Feltham, York Elementary School

Standards addressed: 2-3.CT.6, 2-3.CT.9, 2-3NSD.3
Grade(s): 2/3
Subject(s): Coding

Students used block coding within the Blockly app to program Dash robots to do a variety of tasks. Tasks included: moving forward, moving backward, turning 90 degrees, illuminating their lights, saying hello and doing a dance.  

Slides: M. Feltham - Computer Science Smart Start Grant Showcase
Additional Resources: Link to additional resources

Video Coming Soon

Exploring Loops
Jamie Pentland, Red Jacket Middle School

Standards addressed: 7-8.CT.8
Grade(s): 7
Subject(s): Math

Students explored the ideas of loops using both "unplugged" and digital activities. Unplugged activities included having students follow a looped dance routine and following a series of repeated instructions. The digital activity had students using block coding to solve puzzles using loops.

Slides: J. Pentland - Computer Science Smart Start Grant Showcase
Additional Resources: Link to additional resources

Video Coming Soon

Snowman Coding with Bee-Bots
Amy Rothermel/Jill Clingersmith, Canandaigua City School District

Standards addressed: K-1.CT.4, K-1.CT.5, K-1.CT.6, K-1.CT.8
Grade(s): Kindergarten
Subject(s): Coding

Students programmed Bee-Bots to "pick up" three parts of a snowman — head, middle, and bottom — by creating and testing step-by-step codes.

Additional Resources: All You Need For A Snowman



Group 3: Digital Literacy

Video

Using Google Slides to Review Algebra Concepts
Clarissa Hensler, Honeoye Central School

Standards addressed: 7-8.DL.4, 7-8.DL.2, AI-A.SSE.3C, AI-A.CED.1, AI-A.REI.11, AI-F.IF.4, AI-F.LE.1
Grade(s): 8
Subject(s): Algebra

Students working with a peer to review key concepts in our exponential function unit in Google Slides. They created visual problems, examples, as well as definitions/ways to remember concepts for their peers in Google Slides.