Wow! PACs Elementary Hour of code
PAC Elementary celebrated Computer Science in Education the week of December 7th! 10 out of 14 classes engaged in the Hour of Code event - which is the largest learning event in history!
183,034 coding events were scheduled worldwide.
What is the Hour of Code?
The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. It is a one-hour activity where students of all ages are engaged in block coding to foster interest, creativity, problem-solving strategies, logical and process thinking, and collaboration to solve real world problems.
Why Computer Science?
I sent an introductory email to our elementary teachers promoting the Hour of Code Event. They signed right up!
A "truly" fabulous week!
I couldn't have asked/planned for anything better. Our students were so excited and engaged for the entire 60 minutes. So engaged they didn't want to stop! It really was a teacher's dream to see students excited about learning, collaborating with classmates, the "look" of deep thinking and logical processing, and learner agency as they celebrated their successes.
"The Hour of Code was very engaging for my students. They loved the concept of trying to make it to the next level. As a teacher, I really liked the problem solving piece that it brought to my classroom. I loved seeing students thinking critically. One of our big goals in math is to be able to solve problems without giving up. The Hour of Code really tapped into that skill." Ms. Wiltgen - 2nd Grade Teacher
Sharing Our Experience
Our K-2nd grade students used the iPads as their digital device for coding. Kindergarteners used the app Bee Bots - which tied directly into their previous coding experience where the Bee Bots physically visit the Kindergarten classroom every 6 weeks or so. First grade explored the app Kodable, and 2nd grade delved into Classic Maze on the code.org website where they had to program the angry birds to get the mean pigs. 3rd & 4th grade also experienced the options on the website where they could go in the direction of Star Wars, Minecraft, or Frozen.
Learning Doesn't Stop
Coding will be an option for all students throughout the year in the Makerspace room. We will have iPads available as well as kiosk stations set up so students can go deeper into the coding lessons.
Every student needs to experience coding! Don't be afraid to let them try. You don't have to have all the answers - or any answers for that matter. The process of coding allows for trial and error. Students will figure it out. Also, visit the code.org website. There are a ton of resources and curriculum suggestions to guide you in your journey of finding a pathway to integrate coding into your classrooms, and coding ties seamlessly into several Iowa Core Math, Literacy, and 21st Century Standards.