Coding and Collaboration - Using Robots to Enhance Learning
My students need three Sphero and six Ozobot robotic spheres to extend our study of computer coding. This technology project supports learning in math, science, reading, and social studies!
"Coding is today's language of creativity. All our children deserve a chance to become creators instead of consumers of computer science." -Maria Klawe-
My wish is that my third graders use their creativity skills to develop codes that will manipulate robots through a variety of obstacle courses.
I teach a class of 29 energetic, enthusiastic third graders who eagerly take on technology tasks.
My students enjoy creative projects that are hands-on. This large group of learners work cooperatively on assignments and challenges. These children jumped into the Hour of Code that was recently observed in my classroom (and around the world!). My students are both familiar with and motivated to learn using iPads and Chromebooks. We have continued to work on coding skills through the use of apps and websites. During the next few months of school I would like my third graders to deepen their understanding of cause and effect as they develop their own codes to program the movement of small robots.
My Project
Through the use of Ozobot and the Sphero my students will learn math, science and programming by coding these small robots to move along a variety of paths. The obstacle courses and paths will be ones that relate to our social studies and reading curriculum. For example, during our study of Japan, students will learn about this nation's geographical layout by programming the robots to move around a floor map of the country. Also, as we read stories that relate to sled dog races, students will program their robots to move through replicas of race paths described in the pieces of literature.
The students will need to work in small groups to complete these programming challenges, so collaboration on the projects will be very important. Coding and collaboration will prepare these students for the jobs of the future!
Donations to this project will enable students to go beyond the experiences they had with the Hour of Code.
Now that these children have been introduced to coding language, they need the opportunity to put that language into meaningful action. Using these robots to support instruction will prove to motivate students of all ability levels. Collaborating on coding projects will make a long-term impact on my students!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. S. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
