Stage 3 Unit of Work: Collaborative Creations in Computer Coding
Description:
This design experience enables students to work collaboratively in a constructionism-based problem-solving learning environment. Students will be using a visual programming environment to develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking, computational thinking and algorithmic thinking.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
- to develop computational thinking skills
- to develop problem solving skills
- to develop algorithmic thinking skills
- to develop critical thinking skills
- understanding of the commands and processes involved in solving problems in a visual programming environment
- understanding of the commands and processes involved in creating a design in a visual programming environment
- communication and decision making skills in a collaborative partnership
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visual programming envirnonment, Hour of Code: |
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Task 1: The Hour of Code (1 lesson) Students develop understanding of initial, basic coding skills using a visual programming environment and step-by-step instruction tutorial. Students rate their coding knowledge and confidence before and after the tutorial. ↓ |
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introduction to hour of code step-by-step simple introduction from Hour of Code tutorial teacher support |
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visual programming environment, Scratch: https://scratch.mit.edu/ teacher led tutorial |
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Task 2: Scratch Intro Students introduced to a new visual programming environment, explore the Scratch interface. Students follow teacher-led instruction to develop basic coding commands and features of programming environment. ↓ |
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teacher support tutorials and video support from scratch.mit.edu checklist of skills that students can identify as they self-regulate their competence and understanding |
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visual programming environment, Scratch: List of required features in maze game creation |
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Task 3: Scratch Maze Game In pairs students collaboratively build a maze game, demonstrating their understanding of the programming environment features and coding commands. Students share their maze games with other pairs to play, and provide peer feedback. ↓ |
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peer pairs teacher support 6-part maze game tutorial videos peer assessment and reflection feedback |
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visual programming environment, Scratch: additional equipment for coding creation e.g. camera, video files, music files |
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Task 4: Peer Programming Projects (4 lessons) In pairs students collaboratively develop a project of their choice using the visual programming environment, Scratch. Students share their project with the class when finished, provide peer feedback. |
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peer pairs teacher support examples of previous programmers' projects, tutorials and video support from scratch.mit.edu peer assessment and reflection feedback |