Sunday, October 4, 2015

Bee Bot and Coding in the Lower School





"Coding is the language of computer science that enables our digital world to exist and can make our lives more efficient, creative, and connected.  As the coding initiative in the Lower School begins to take shape, we continue to find a balance between screen and unplugged activities. One tool in the unplugged teaching of computer science is the Bee-Bot.  Bee-Bot is a programmable robot that can be used for teaching sequencing, problem solving, estimation, and fun.  The students in 2F recently used Bee-Bot to complete algorithms to help guide Bee-Bot through mazes. In programing, an algorithm is a list of steps that you can follow to finish a task. It is also the basis for all computer programming. The second graders laid out Bee-Bot command cards in order to form their algorithms and then inputted the commands into Bee-Bot. Often, the commands were incorrect and the students had to “debug” their program, much to their joy! 

I was amazed to see the level of engagement from the students during the lesson. Each student was able to contribute and all were excited to try a new challenge. I have to applaud the second graders for their problem solving determination and creativity! Often, they were able to find multiple ways to work together and solve the mazes." Dan Stahl, Lower School Teacher




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