CS - Coding with Scratch (final assignment)

Understanding computers and learning the basics of coding helps children to develop an appreciation of how things work. It teaches them how software engineers use math and coding language to solve problems logically and creatively. Students can also strengthen 21st-century skills such as algorithmic thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving through coding. 

“Teaching computer science and other STEM-related courses is an essential component to any child’s education. That’s why Iowa is preparing our young people for success in cutting-edge careers with programs like this.” - Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, July 17, 2019.

The Purpose

According to the Vision for Computer Science by the Iowa Department of Education  All Iowa students will engage in the concepts and practices of computer science through an intentional progression of experiences in order to prepare them to become enterprising citizens that positively impact society

The purpose of this assignment is to allow you to create a fun, age-appropriate, student-centered, unit theme-related activity that will help you practice skills related to computational thinking and computer science.

By completing the series of scaffolded activities and the final project, you will be able to:

• Connect  Computer Science standards for K-12 to the school curriculum
• Locate relevant age-appropriate coding activities across multiple subject areas
• Support algorithmic thinking with a flowchart
• Design with the block-based programming language
• Implement basic coding vocabulary and concepts such as algorithms, flowcharts, decomposition, sequence, loops, branching, debugging, and variables in all subjects learning.

This project is aligned with the following standards:

• ISTE Standards for Educators: 2.1ac, 2.2abc, 2.5abc, 2.6acd, 2.7
• ISTE Standards for Students: 1.1 acd, 1.3 cd, 1.4acd, 1.5cd, 1.6b
• InTASC Standards for Pre-Service Teachers: 4,6,8

Assignment

For this assignment, you will design the instructions as a teacher and then experience the creative development process from the viewpoint of your students. In other words: You will create an assignment as a teacher, AND you will follow your own instructions pretending that you are a student in your classroom.

Every activity has to support some concept from your unit theme and some standard-related skills described in your thematic unit. 

This assignment scaffolds skills and thinking practiced during previous activities (Drawing challenge, flowchart, CYOA, Hour of Code)

Requirements and 6 Steps to Complete this Assignment:

(see the Resources box for the examples, resources and ideas ==>)

1. Medium: Pick one of the following: 

• Scatch: Your student will design an interactive environment with Scratch, including - elements of surprise, text, movement, draggable item, sound.
• App: Your Students will create an app. 
• Other - discuss with your instructor.

2.  Backward Design: Revisit your Thematic Unit, select a few skills that you want your students achieve by working on this project (in a context of the Unit theme, and previously selected Iowa Core standards, AND in context of the Computer Science unit)

• write them in a I CAN statements format

3. Plan what should happen in your project and illustrate it in the form of a flowchart. Your flowchart should include:

• step-by-step summary of the procedure
• A surprise - something to happen whenever the user interacts with the environment. ((ex. Clicking the stage or a sprite in Scratch triggers light, sound, text, or movement).

NOTE: Depending on your students' comprehension level, your flowchart can be created by them or you, the teacher. Students could also be partially involved in completing or debugging the algorithm as a part of their assignment.

4. Code iwhile following your flowchart

5. Set permissions, and write instructions

• Share your project to make it public
• write the short instructions in the Instruction window (Scratch Project Page)
• or (for app designers) create the instructions on how to use the designed app (user manual)

6. Make it into an Assignment: Create an assignment for your students to encompass the activities above.

Include:

• Set of instructions written in a student-friendly language
  • Use of at least three words from a Vocabulary list (bold them)
• I CAN statements
  • What students will learn in the context of your Unit theme and previously selected Iowa Academic Standards
  • What students will learn in the context of computer science (use CSTA K-12 standard)
• Explanation of how it ties to the elements of Thematic Unit

Submitting:

Submit to the eLearning assignment submission box:

• Link to the assignment description (created for your students and supporting your Thematic Unit)
  • Flowchart outlining your decision process
  • Link to the project in Scratch (or other coding app discussed with your instructor)
• Reflections: address at least two most relevant standards from ISTE Standards for Educators

Link to the ISTE Standards and Reflection guidelines: https://insttech.uni.edu/240-031/reflections.html

For visual learners: 5 min video created by Dr.Zeitz on how to write the reflections

Follow these prompts:

1. Assignment Link:
2. Reflection:
   1. The learners in my class are: (state a grade level or subject area you will teach)
   2. This project supports the unit theme _______ .
   3. ISTE-E Standards Alignment #1 :
      
      • I designed this project to support the indicator # ___from standard #___ , by__ (Explain how you designed your project to address this standard and indicator)
   4. ISTE-E Standards Alignment #2 :
      
      • I designed this project to support the indicator # ___from standard #___ , by__(Explain how you designed your project to address this standard and indicator)

Point Structure (100 points)

Special Notes:

• Follow the instructions provided in the submission box precisely to avoid losing points on your assignment.