Students Explore Robotics
Stockbridge Valley elementary students are diving into coding and robotics this year, using a variety of apps, websites and gadgets.
Technology Coordinator Kate Fisher and Computer Teacher Kristin Thomas have been leading basic coding lessons for students in grades 1-5 over the last few months, allowing students to animate drawings, program mazes and create simple games. They used BeeBots, Scratch Jr. and Code.org to practice their skills in coding and math as well as other areas, like problem-solving and creative thinking.
Fourth and fifth graders developed enough of a background in coding algorithms to begin introductory robotics work over the past few weeks. They recently created simple codes for the Edison robots, which are motorized platforms with light, color, sound and proximity sensors. Students coded the robots for distance, speed and turning, then measured, recorded, graphed and analyzed their results. Once students get the hang of creating codes, they will be given a series of programming missions and earn points for successfully completing them.
Sixth graders are learning JavaScript coding with Librarian Amanda Ingalls by programming BeeBots to gain hands-on experience with problem solving and the coding design process.
In seventh grade, students will be using Code.org and Scratch this spring to create self-designed coding projects, such as animating a digital story or creating a virtual band.
The district hopes to engage students in more programming and robotics activities, such as an afterschool club and Lego Robotics, next year.