We built the course together. The students programmed their robot mouse racers.
Robot Race
07 Apr 2022 Leave a comment
in 36K, code/coding, programming, robotics, STEM Tags: code n go mouse, colby robot mouse, race
Codespark Coder
07 Apr 2022 Leave a comment
in 36K, code/coding, computer lab Tags: codespark academy, parameters, The Foos
This student found success in choosing the correct parameters — either up and to the right, up and to the left, or straight up — to make a character jump.
Code Cards to Code Code Mouse
07 Apr 2022 Leave a comment
in 36K, code/coding, computer lab, programming Tags: code n go mouse, colby robot mouse
We programmed the robot mouse to run the maze.
Kodable Progress
09 Mar 2022 Leave a comment
in 36K, code/coding, computer lab Tags: Kodable
After about seven sessions, this is the progress for a group alternate assessment 7/8 graders working on Kodable. The plan is to continue with this program for another 3-4 weeks, then switch to 3D deisgn using Tinkercad and handheld printers.
Scratch Spiral Randomizer!?
09 Mar 2022 Leave a comment
in code/coding Tags: scratch
This variation to the scratch spiralizer script creates a random spiral.
Instead of putting a whole number in the blue “turn ___ degrees” block on the bottom of the first script,
I added a green Operator block.
In the first oval I added a Sensing block called “timer” and in the second oval I put the number 1. There is a * (multiplication) operation between the numbers.
This is the block I added:
I did not invent this unusual script. I copied it from a scratch discussion board.
Anyway, it TOTALLY randomizes an already awesome animation.
If you understand why it does what it does, please explain it in the comments below.
Scratch Spiralizer with Students
09 Mar 2022 Leave a comment
in 36K, code/coding, computer lab Tags: scratch
The last period class on Mondays is in many ways my favorite. They are young yet mature. When I want to use a group of students for guinea pigs, they are my go-to’s. We have done chrome music lab, mathigon’s polypad, online robots, code & go mouse robots, scratch jr. (the “unofficial” desktop software version), and now the online version of scratch.
Here is a (speeded-up) sampling of student work on the spiralizer, which is just about the coolest introduction to scratch there is. (click to see video)
Here is the script for spiralizer:
Kodable in the House
08 Mar 2022 Leave a comment
in 36K, code/coding, computer lab Tags: Kodable
One class has been engaged in learning using the Kodable program (the free version). So far so good. The students are learning sequencing, debugging, use of conditionals, and looping.
Although we are using the free version, the students have not reached the pay-wall (well, some did, but there are plenty of free lessons in multiple “worlds” that they have not finished with all they can do).
Treasure this Code
11 Feb 2022 Leave a comment
in 36K, code/coding Tags: code.org
This student is hard at work on code.org. In this video, he uses repeat blocks and movement blocks to have the sprite pick up treasure. Cool spiraling action!
Scratch Jr Animations
15 Jan 2022 Leave a comment
in 36K, code/coding Tags: Scratch Jr
The students in my last-period class started working on Scratch Jr, the block-based computer programming language, to create animations. They learned about the functions of different command blocks, and how to add specific scripts for each sprite.
Here are two student examples:
Practicing Block Coding
17 Nov 2021 Leave a comment
in 36K, code/coding Tags: code.org, smart board; notebook software;
Sometimes a student needs to practice coding with blocks. This Notebook software lesson on the smart board helped this student prepare for the real thing on code.org.
Occasional Observations of Traveling Technology Coach 