Hour of Code Week

The computer lab was filled with focused, busy, challenged, helpful, persistent problem solvers during Computer Science in Education Week, Dec. 5-9.

Overheard:

"I did it!"

"That was awesome!"

"This cow won't move."

"I wish computer class lasted two hours."

"I finished it!"

"I can do this."

"I love code."

"The first one isn't that complex, but it's fun."

"Oh, that's how..."

Students at every grade level chose from coding activities linked to our school page:

http://www.hermones.org/index.php/20-news/177-code-activities

See links for additional activities to try at home. 

Scratch!

Third and Fourth graders have had an introduction to Scratch, and we're exploring animations that can be made by connecting/editing blocks to create a script for each character. Scratch can also be accessed online - with your permission - at https://scratch.mit.edu/

When I ask for volunteers...

 ...virtually all hands go up! And they don't even know what they're volunteering for, yet. Turns out, they were asked to estimate the biggest number a computer can understand. We then had a quick intro to binary code; few hands when up when asked if they wanted to do math in binary code!

Making Good Choices with Technology

The usual perches for our Penguins and Crab have been empty the past two weeks, while Second Graders have posed them for photos to show how to make good choices with technology. After watching an animated video on Cyber safety rules, students planned how to show the big ideas of safety, responsibility, respectfulness and the importance of being kind and caring as we use technology. They captioned their photos, which were then added to class slide shows. They tell an important story, and will be shared with younger students as well. 

There It Is!

First graders have learned how to change their Linux account's desktop picture by accessing a folder just for them. They are both surprised and happy to see their picture choice at any computer they log into, here in the computer lab. They have come such a long way since Kindergarten!

Computer class projects give students lots of opportunities to practice our school-wide expectations ~ working with a partner or on their own.

Editors Needed!

Fourth Graders' first Google Classroom job was to edit a "Strange but True" short story, to find and fix all 16 mistakes.

I knew they'd do a great job ~ they even found and fixed the mistake I made in the directions!

Is there a T on here?

Kindergarteners and First Graders are using an ABC'ya activity, Keyboard Zoo, to learn to find those (sometimes pesky) letter keys quicker.

This will help them learn to log in more quickly, learn which keys are typed with the left vs. right hand, and even reinforces letter names and sounds.

New to Google Docs!

Students in Grade 3 have started to use their new Google accounts this week. We discussed how these accounts can help us save paper and work with partners in a whole new way. Students have created and shared their first documents, and there's lots more to come.

Fourth graders (the old pros) are learning about working in Google Classroom this week. 

Happy New School Year!

 Students were welcomed back in many special ways on Thursday, and those who've already come to computer class have commented on our lovely blue floor! The Linux Penguins are back from their summer vacation and the Hermon Hawk has swooped a bit lower to show us the Hawk Wings we can earn for being Safe, Responsible, Respectful and Kind & Caring in the computer lab.