Second Graders have been using the free coding app Scratch, Jr. to learn how to program and better understand computer science. They have worked on simple projects individually, as well as more difficult projects with a partner in order to improve their collaboration and communication skills. Above, second graders present to the class a project they created that shows their character "Sweeping" over the entire grid and touching every square. This develops their skill in using direction blocks, repeat blocks, and trigger blocks, (blocks that begin the program). 

Second graders will finish up their computer science unit by creating a simple video game, like the one above. They have to have a main character who tries to win the game, a target that the main character tries to reach, and an obstacle that tries to prevent it from reaching its goal. We have seen a lot of creative work, which they will present to the class over the next week or two!

First graders have also been working with a partner to develop their skills in using Scratch, Jr. We read a story and then wrote about the characters, setting, problem, and solution in our Launch Logs, (PLTW notebooks). We sketched out 4 of the most important scenes from the book in our logs and then students were given an iPad to use Scratch, Jr. to animate the story and make it come alive with movements and sounds. When finished, they will present them to the class. This activity allows our students to use those 21st Century skills of collaboration, communcation, creativity and critical thinking.