CODING & ROBOTICS

Our Magnet theme is based on coding and robotics. We believe that all learners should have experiences in a variety of coding environments and with robots of varying complexity and capabilities. Learning to code a website is different than coding a game or in virtual reality. To that end we have developed this scope and sequence of coding and robotics experiences that allow our learners to develop coding skills across all grade levels.

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WHY LEARN CODING?

Coding is an emerging literacy in education. In practice, it’s the way programmers give instructions to machines. Code written by programmers is responsible for all the software applications we use every day. Coding isn’t just confined to to computers. Code runs in our cars, refrigerators, traffic lights, clocks, and coffee makers. Everything that is electronic is driven by code. When we teach coding, we’re teaching a way of thinking about giving instructions, solving problems, and creating new possibilities.

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BENEFITS OF LEARNING TO CODE

Computing is a fundamental part of daily life, commerce, and just about every occupation in our modern economy. It is essential that students are exposed to the field of computer science in our K-12 system—it is foundational in transforming the way a student thinks about the world. It not only teaches them about technology, it also teaches them how to think differently about any problem.

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Critical Thinking

Kids who code are problem solvers

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Equity and Access

Computing jobs are the #1 source of new wages in the United States

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Citizenship

Learning to code helps kids understand the world around them

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Changing the World

Coding lets kids create the world they want to see

ALL learners work in both the coding lab and robotics lab each week, thus ensuring that EVERY learner has these opportunities regardless of gender, ethnicity, or space availability.

1st Grade

These learners focus on basic coding skills such as sequence, loops, and events.

code.org

First grade learners solve puzzles on code.org. The drag-and-drop coding blocks makes it easy to put together simple algorithms. Through these puzzles learners also learn to investigate different problem-solving techniques and persist in the face of difficult tasks

Blue Bots

These simple robots give learners the opportunity to practice sequence and loops. These basic commands form the foundation of any coding language.

2nd Grade

Learners increase their understanding of block-based coding skills to include variables, animation, and music.

Scratch

Scratch by MIT provides learners opportunities to independently code a variety of projects that include animations, games, and music. Learners use an expanded range of code blocks that snap together to make coding simple and logical.

Ozobots

These small robots have light sensors on the bottom that let them follow lines. They can be coded to perform complex moves using colored marker lines or block based coding.

3rd Grade

Third grade learners step into the world of augmented and virtual reality and work with more complex robots capable of performing harder tasks.

CoSpaces

Learners use CoSpaces, Merge Cubes, and Oculus Go headsets to explore the differences between 360 video, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality.  They then use these tools to create their own virtual worlds.

Dash & Dot

Learners watch their virtual coding turn into tangible learning experiences in real time as Dash, with its performance and multiple sensors, interacts with and responds to its surroundings.

4th Grade

In fourth grade learners move from visual code blocks to text based coding like Javascript, HTML/CSS or Python. Robots are even more complex and perform harder tasks.

Codesters

The Codesters platform introduces learners to the syntax and logic of Python, a powerful and popular programming language used to create a variety of applications on the web.

Sphero

With a striking LED matrix and advanced sensors, the Sphero BOLT  robot provides endless opportunities to be creative and have fun while learning.

5th Grade

Fifth grade learners take on more complex coding skills working with professional game making software and complex autonomous robots.

Unreal Engine

Learners work with professional game making software Unreal Engine, the software used to make Fortnite. They learn world making skills as well as basic techniques to make interactive games.

LEGO Mindstorms

LEGO Mindstorm EV3 robots are autonomous robots with a variety of sensors that learners code to help the robot respond to the world around it.