BeeBots are an engaging, hands-on way to introduce sequencing, algorithms, programming and debugging to primary and elementary students. In this introductory activity, information will be presented in a clear and concise way so that students can collaborate to plan, create, and run a program. Students will correct through debugging as necessary. The attached resource includes vocabulary and tips for using BeeBot with students. 

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. 

In this activity, students and teachers are able to sort components of a computer into 4 categories: input, output, process, and store (memory).
Reinforcing the ability to drag and drop, learners are able to identify and begin developing the purpose of each categorized component.

This activity complements the book Hello Ruby: Journey Inside the Computer by Linda Liukas and was remixed with permission from the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Computer Science Team.

Key concepts include:
mouse
keyboard
printer
microphone
headphones
monitor
controller
camera
temperature sensor
3-D printer
CPU
GPU
ROM
RAM
Hard Drive
Input
Output
Memory
Process

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!   

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

Springing off of the picture book The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi, students contemplate diverse cultures and customs before learning about how a computer program translates English to binary code. This resource combines ELA with computer science and includes interactive read aloud questions, a discussion about culturally diverse backgrounds, review of the prefix bi-, introduction of binary language (with a translation chart), and instructions to create binary bracelets.

This is a follow-up lesson to One Word: My Mantra which will allow students to write their "one word" in a different language and create classroom decor that will remind them how the classroom community is linked together to support one another in staying focused on their goals.

Developed by the Science Museum of Western Virginia, this educator outline is intended to assist in guiding middle school-aged students through various activities using the Rokit Smart robot kit. The Rokit Smart utilizes Arduino, a widely-used open-source environment for programming that enables users to create interactive electronic objects.  Designed through modules, the activities can be grouped to fit after-school, summer camp, or other student enrichment needs.  

Developed by the Science Museum of Western Virginia, this educator outline is intended to assist in guiding middle school-aged students through various activities using the Rokit Smart robot kit. The Rokit Smart utilizes Arduino, a widely-used open-source environment for programming that enables users to create interactive electronic objects.  Designed through modules, the activities can be grouped to fit after-school, summer camp, or other student enrichment needs.  

Developed by the Science Museum of Western Virginia, this educator outline is intended to assist in guiding middle school-aged students through various activities using the Rokit Smart robot kit. The Rokit Smart utilizes Arduino, a widely-used open-source environment for programming that enables users to create interactive electronic objects.  Designed through modules, the activities can be grouped to fit after-school, summer camp, or other student enrichment needs.  

Developed by the Science Museum of Western Virginia, this educator outline is intended to assist in guiding middle school-aged students through various activities using the Rokit Smart robot kit. The Rokit Smart utilizes Arduino, a widely-used open-source environment for programming that enables users to create interactive electronic objects.  Designed through modules, the activities can be grouped to fit after-school, summer camp, or other student enrichment needs.  *Module 4 is meant to be done after Modules 1-3 are completed. 

Co-authored with Kaitlin Read and Udaya DatlaCan you remember a time you've been sick? Why aren't you still sick? How did you get better?Join Udaya Sree Datla, a doctoral student in translational biology, medicine, and health at Virginia Tech, as she presents Infections, Germs, and Immune Cells. The accompanying lessons and resources provide students with an introduction to germs, the immune system, and the career path of an immunologist, all while emphasizing the importance of handwashing and incorporating a computer science twist. The second lesson capitalizes on an opportunity to integrate computer science by introducing students to the career path of computer programming and constructing a set of step-by-step instructions (algorithms) either independently or collaboratively to sequence the steps of handwashing. These resources are part of the Advancing Computer Science Education Grant to support the implementation of Virginia's Computer Science Standards of Learning in partnership with Floyd County Public Schools with additional support from Virginia Tech's Center for Communicating Science and the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology.