Overview:
Pupils are introduced to coding, computational thinking, creativity and problem solving. They create a program that is entered into the National Scratch Programming Competition at which we have had winners and finalists over the years. This is followed up with a robotics course using LEGO Mindstorms and they will enter the First Lego League. Finally pupils learn about MOOCs and lifelong learning. The aim of the course is to develop their 21st Century skills for a world heavily influenced by technology.
Course Content:
The basics of coding is learned through a program called Scratch. The program was developed at the MIT Media Lab and allows pupils to create their own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art and these can all be published online. As pupils create and share their projects, they learn important mathematical and computational ideas, while also learning to think creatively, reason systematically, work collaboratively and problem solve.
The FIRST LEGO League incorporates a number of different aspects. Teams will research a real-world problem such as food safety, recycling, energy, etc., and are challenged to develop a solution. They must also design, build and program a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology. It all adds up to tons of fun while they learn to apply science, technology, engineering, and math concepts (STEM), plus a big dose of imagination, to solve a problem. Along their discovery journey, they develop critical thinking and team-building skills, basic STEM applications, and even presentation skills, as they must present their solutions with a dash of creativity to judges. They also practice the Program’s signature Core Values.
MOOCs are free online courses and pupils will become participant observers in an effort to discover lifelong learning and to think critically about how we learn.
Teaching & Learning:
The course is engaging and encourages pupils to work independently, think critically, work collaboratively and learn actively rather than passively.
Assessment:
This is carried out through presentations, project work and a work portfolio. There are no exams but pupils must enter the National Scratch Programming Competition as well as complete assignments in their online course. Peer assessment plays a key role in the learning.
Additional Information: