Students will analyze a provided math problem with an incorrect answer (bug). Students will demonstrate their understanding of the process by identifying the error, solving the problem correctly and providing an explanation. Math problem solving directly correlates with the step by step process that computer science debugging requires. The purpose of this experience is to provide a jumping off point for a deeper understanding of the Computer Science SOLs. This could be the first time your students are exposed to the vocabulary (algorithm, bug, debugging) and can provide a good foundation of the understanding of the vocabulary in a concrete, low-technology way.

Create an American Revolution adventure story with your class! Students will be able to step back into time and think of the various perspectives of the American Revolution by creating scenarios the different characters might have gone through.

Spice things up with students by programming BeeBot to go to specific numbers as a way to reinforce multiples and common factors.  Activity cards, a brief overview, and a student planning sheet are included. 

This is a list of basic vocabulary with definitions and/or examples that will be used in elementary classrooms K-5 when teaching the concepts of algorithms and programming. 

Events in computer science are the triggers for making action happen, like selecting the play button on any screen. Events in Scratch are represented by the yellow codes including: when flag clicked, when sprite clicked, when key pressed and broadcast. Broadcasting is the most advanced event in Scratch and helps with interactions between sprites like pacing their conversations or changing levels.

Events in computer science are the triggers for making action happen, like selecting the play button on any screen. Events in Scratch Jr. are represented by the yellow codes including: the green flag, clicking on a character, bump code and envelopes. The envelopes are the most advanced concept in Scratch Jr. and help with scene transitions and interactions between characters like pacing their conversations.

In this lesson, students learn how to write a simple program to find all of the factors of any positive integer. The coding language is Python. Students learn the concept of an algorithm, as well as programming concepts such as variables, data types, and looping. The lesson also includes information on how the difficulty of factoring really large numbers is the basis of all modern online commerce. 

Set students up for programming success by creating a BeeBot anchor chart!These editable instructions will help students identify their role as planner or driver and set clear expectations of how Bee-Bot is used in computer programming. Tips:Introduce Bee-Bot whole classMake sure students understand the importance of the clear (x) button to erase the previous codealways press clear first to signal a new code (like how a capital letter signals the start of a new sentence) Plan the program in developmentally appropriate steps (some students program one step at a time, while others can program to the end goal)Turn the Bee-Bot off and use it as a game piece to write successful algorithmsHave students write their plan, or algorithm, on a whiteboard instead of using the cardsThe Bee-Bot emulator is perfect for guided practice!   

This is an unplugged activity in which students work in teams, "programming" a human-robot to find all the quarter notes. It can be used to teach/review music notes. The notes could be replaced with materials for any other subject to review math skills, history, even parts of sentences.

Developed by the Science Museum of Western Virginia, this educator outline was written for an in-museum program that addresses computational thinking. Teachers and students in grades 3-4 will expand knowledge of computer science algorithms and programming content while working through the activities "Flossbot" and "Edison Bot Activity".

*Edison bots are used for the second activity.

Key concepts include:
computer science
coding
programming
binary
computer
robot
loop
bug/ debug

During this lesson, your students will be introduced to some foundational computer science concepts of sequence, pattern recognition, loops and procedures. Unplugged activities are a way to reinforce CS concepts that are introduced in coding apps and puzzle games like LightBot, Code.org, Kodable, etc.

The students will work with a partner or small group to design a program to move a “student” through a classroom with obstacles.  Their job is to find the most efficient sequence of actions for them to get to the cafeteria from the classroom. The student will be a paper avatar.  The classroom will be a 8 by 8 grid with pictures of obstacles the student must move through to get to different destinations.  The students will try to move through with the least number of steps.  As an extension, they can rename a loop of multiple steps, and it will become one step.

This lesson sequence offers students and teachers a way to explore their individual identities and sense of belonging through analyzing children’s literature and coding with Scratch. Through read-aloud activities and self-differentiated Scratch projects, students learn about the value of inclusion and explore and express ideas about their personal and social identities. Students will describe environments supportive of diversity, and reflect on their own identity as they create expressive projects about their sense of belonging. This sequence is made up of four lessons, though your students may need additional class time to work on their projects.This lesson sequence is part of CodeVA's committment to the U.S. Department of Education "YOU Belong in STEM" initiative.

When Columbus landed in the Bahamas (back in 1492) he made a mistake that people TODAY continue to perpetuate!  Let’s discuss how we can fix this problem.  We will show what we learned by designing a fancy schmancy poster highlighting the location of Virginia’s historical Algonquian, Siouan, and Iroquoian areas.  Additionally, we will incorporate several important computer science terms (for example- debug).

Students will apply their knowledge of the solar system in this two step challenge.  First they will use the attachments for their robot, Legos, and additional recyclable/craft supplies to create a space suit for their robot that will account for all of his basic needs while encountering the varying conditions in space.  Then, students will program their robot to visit the planets in size order starting with the largest planet.  Students can use number line mats, grid mats, or a piece of bulletin board paper to create their “map” of the solar system.  They will demonstrate their understanding by creating a diagram of the planets in order from the sun.

This lesson sequence offers students and teachers a way to explore gender and cultural identity through analyzing children’s literature and coding with Scratch, specifically exploring the importance of names to our identities. Through read-aloud activities and self-differentiated Scratch projects, students learn about the importance of names in reference to both gender and culture, and have a chance to explore and express ideas about their own names, brainstorm creating school environments supportive of diversity, and reflect on their own bravery and resilience. This sequence is broken into seven lessons, though your students may need additional class time to work on their projects.This lesson sequence is part of CodeVA's committment to the U.S. Department of Education "YOU Belong in STEM" initiative.