Computer Science

A 21st Century Skill

Computer science is…

  • a theory and practice that allows you to program a computer to do what you want it to
  • a tool that helps you tell a story or make something happen with technology
  • a discipline that emphasizes persistence in problem solving — a skill that is applicable across disciplines, driving job growth and innovation across all sectors of the workforce
  • a skill that teaches students how to use computers to create, not just consume

Computer science is not…

  • learning how to type
  • learning to use word processing, spreadsheet, or presentation software
  • learning how to build or repair computers
  • playing video games

At third grade, students learn how to use Scratch to tell stories. Check out some of their cool stories by clicking on a child’s room number, look for his/her name, and then check out his/her project link! Once you get to Scratch, click on the green flag to run the code. Please remember this is a beginner’s coding class, and students are learning at different levels.

Room 301

Room 302

Room 303

Room 304

Students take coding to another level. These students independently created their own accounts, made their own stories and/or designs using Scratch at home! Congratulations to our awesome future Computer Scientists! This gives me such pride knowing that students are becoming independent learners, and want to do more than I can offer in the short amount of time I see them! Alrighty! Love it!

Click here to see coding work @HOME!

These are just a few exemplars from third grade students.

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/78766314/

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/78766334/

https://scratch.mit.edu/users/cs74339/projects/

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/78773862/

Resources

click here for video tutorials

ScratchBlogLogo

click here to get to the Scratch software (does not work on any apple mobile device including iPad, iPod, or iPhone)

2000px-Scratchcat.svg