Knowing that students need the skills to be prepared for the future in a
technology-driven world, elementary school librarian Selinda Stout set
out on a mission to introduce all K-5 students to block coding in the
school library.
For her efforts, she has been named a Sunburst Digital Innovator.
Ms. Stout wrote a case study for the educational curriculum software
company on the implementation of the Dot and Dash robots in the school
library. She first discussed with her students many different types of
robots. Her next step was a collaborative project with music teacher
Lisa Scrom, where students wrote their own compositions and then used
iPads to program the robots in the library to perform their original
songs.
Her culminating project was a March Madness Basketball Challenge. Using
coding concepts the students learned, they investigated how distance and
energy affected the launchers’ aim and competed against one another
where the robots actually shot hoops. She also created surveys for the
students to share their experience with these powerful and playful tools
that served as an introduction to computer science.
“We are so proud of Ms. Stout for the work she has accomplished with
robotics and coding for our elementary students,” said Jessica
Schmettan, the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and
instruction. “These type of STEM (science, technology, engineering and
math) opportunities help our students develop critical 21st-century
skills which directly align with the district’s digital literacy goals.”
To read more about the project, click below
http://wonderworkshop.sunburst.com/ww_case-study_stout.pdf