Hour of Code
Kicking off on December 4, 2023, millions of students all over the world began celebrating a special week of Computer Science Education. Those in Bedwell Elementary School participated as well, with an Hour of Code, thanks to Technology & Design Teacher Allen Thurlow.
Coding in Mr. Thurlow’s makerspace is always a favorite amongst students in grades K-4. It challenges students to use algorithms and solve problems through a coding language called Blockly. It creates a foundation for students to gain an understanding of simple coding languages that they can build upon in the future. Students in grades 3 and 4 work to drag and drop code into the correct sequence to enable their character to perform dance routines to the popular Dance Party activity on Code.org. A new feature this year includes coding with artificial intelligence when developing the backgrounds to their dance parties.
Students in K-2 use iPads and chromebooks to program their Angry Bird character to find the best path through a maze to capture the angry pig. Code.org makes it fun and interactive with simple steps to build a foundational knowledge of programming.
Hour of Code extends beyond Computer Science Education Week, as 4th grade students recently coded a parade path, and decorated Dash & Dot robots into a miniature route to emulate the Thanksgiving Day parade; this lesson was inspired by the book, Balloons over Broadway. Students used balloons, tape, and construction paper to create robotic balloon floats in the form of a Minion, the Lorax, the Statue of Liberty, and a Bedwell float, of course. You can see their robots in action in this video here: Balloons over Broadway! Bedwell students in 3rd and 4th grade who are looking for more coding challenges will have the opportunity to participate in coding contests in the upcoming months using Scratch and Art Kano.
“I’m grateful that our students have opportunities like this to enhance their 21st century skills at the elementary school level,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Brian Brotschul. “There are many benefits to coding, such as developing critical thinking skills and bolstering creativity. I have witnessed time and again, enthusiasm ignited and persistence developed, both of which positively impact so many aspects of life.”