Coding in Third Grade

Third graders were so excited to explore coding this week using three different programs.  Using our student work-flow app Showbie, students were connected with one online coding program and two apps.  Students rotated through three centers: Center 1 focused on the non-profit coding lesson website: studio.code.org; Center 2 focused on the MIT and Tufts University created app, Scratch Jr.; Center 3 focused on coding with the Blockly iPad app and Dash robots.  Through each of these centers, students explored coding with visual programming.  Studio.code.org uses coding games to teach learners the principles of coding logic using arrows and simple strategies like loops and functions.  There are four courses learners can work through, as well as popular media-based games (e.g., coding with Frozen, Angry Birds, Mine Craft, or even Star Wars characters).  Scratch Jr uses visual programming blocks and has a more open-ended interface whereby students can program a cat (or other character) to do things on screen.  In this app, there is also a feature in which learners can import and build on existing codes.  Finally, the Blockly app teaches students to code a Dash robot to move via puzzles, and then allows them to code their own projects to set the robot in motion.  Students shared their feedback to the initial exploration via Showbie.  We look forward to continued exploration and creation using these programs!