I am learning MakeCode because an opportunity is coming up where I could teach programming to K-5 (probably 4-5, maybe even 3-4-5, but the whole program is K-5) students who are in need of some STE[A]M education. So I have to know how to use it. But if someone has worked out a MakeCode curriculum for barely-math-literate students (and, ideally, motivate them to learn match because they need it to build their project, not just because the teacher says they have to know it), I would love to have a pointer to it. Or a book reference. My plan is that, if we get the budget for the overall project, I'm going to donate a bunch of CP(exp) boards and related materials to the program.
joe
MakeCode: K-5 curriculum
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- kcl1s
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Re: MakeCode: K-5 curriculum
While I love the CPx and plan to use 12 of them in my library club this spring, I do not think the CPx is the best first intro into cs. The MakeCode interface has so many command options that I find it overwhelms beginning students. I have the same issue with Scratch. I start with Code.org which limits the number code blocks in the beginning while introducing the basics. Depending on time allotted, I use either Hour of Code https://code.org/learn for a short intro or if I have more time their Express course https://studio.code.org/s/express which has lesson plans (sign in as a teacher to see them) . Once the students know the basics (program flow, loops, conditionals) they can then better handle the MakeCode environment and an introduction to physical computing with CPx
Keith
Volunteer Tech Instructor
Bridgeville DE Public Library
Keith
Volunteer Tech Instructor
Bridgeville DE Public Library
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Re: MakeCode: K-5 curriculum
Thanks. I will look up those references.
joe
joe
- LindseyOwn
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Re: MakeCode: K-5 curriculum
Rafranz Davis has a great write-up of how she used Circuit Playground Express with her kids, including links to sample sketches.
https://medium.com/@rafranzdavis/making ... 3860fb18eb
https://medium.com/@rafranzdavis/making ... 3860fb18eb
- kcl1s
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Re: MakeCode: K-5 curriculum
Great link! Thanks.
If you read the write-up you see that the students had experience with code.org first. I think CPx is a great follow-on to introduce physical programming. I can't wait to see what the Adafruit team comes up with for the CPx robot.
Keith
If you read the write-up you see that the students had experience with code.org first. I think CPx is a great follow-on to introduce physical programming. I can't wait to see what the Adafruit team comes up with for the CPx robot.
Keith
- pelikhan
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Re: MakeCode: K-5 curriculum
We have a number of hands-on / crafty / makery activites for the CPX on https://makecode.adafruit.com (and more in learn here). Grab the interrest of kids by building things (pets, hats, ....) and use the CPX to give them light. By starting with the "make", you give a purpose to learn the "code".
- kcl1s
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Re: MakeCode: K-5 curriculum
I have been watching with amusement all the cardboard and other crafty contraptions PT and the Adafruit gang have been making. To me as an adult, putting all that effort into a project made of paper seems silly. Your comments made me realize they are targeting the younger people and these crafty things just might be the ticket to spark interest there.
Thanks for pointing that out.
Keith
Thanks for pointing that out.
Keith
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.