[Grainne Trears]

Assignment 1

Book: Stickman by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffleur.

Computational Activity : In pairs/small groups, create Stickman using a mix of natural objects (sticks, leaves) and arts and crafts resources. What would be needed to have an appropriate /suitable stick? Think about how stickman’s arms will be attached on to his body.

Extension: Think about a problem that Stickman faces during the story and create something for him to help him at this stage (e.g. when a dog wants to play with him, build a cage for him to crawl into or  when he gets thrown over the bridge, create a parachute for him)

Resources: sticks, leaves, twine, cardboard tubes, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, glue, elastic band, cardboard, markers

 

Assignment 2:

The most important pieces of information I got from this article was to remember that pupils learn best when they are creators of technology rather  than just consumers. Getting the pupils involved in every step of the activity allows so many more skills to be developed such as creativity, collaboration, resilience and perseverance, problem solving , communication skills, socio emotional skills etc .

As with anything new, teachers need time to learn about what computational thinking is and they need time to plan how best this can be integrated into their lesson plans.

Finally teachers need support and guidance on what programmes and resources are best to use so that schools can invest in developmentally appropriate tools. Talking to neighbouring schools and setting up networks where teachers can chat about their experiences would help with this.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by Grainne Trears.

[Grainne Trears]

Nice idea to tie the game in with a location – this could be a lovely link with a literacy novel like the London Eye Mystery/Peter Pan/Mary Poppins (London).

I liked the way your game gave enough time for the player to feel successful.

[Grainne Trears]

https://makecode.com/_irxPPFVCrEfp

location: space
player: rocket
enemy: asteroid
food: Earth

Initially in my head I was planning on a game that a pupil would need to catch all the planets before winning the game (and learning the planet names) but that was complicated to do so instead the aim changed to just getting back to Earth. Lesson learned, keep game ideas simple.

Curricular Subject: History, Continuity and Change Over Time. Strand Unit Transport
OR
Geography: Natural Environment, Strand Unit Planet Earth in Space

Last week there was talk about Russia launching a lunar lander in a race to find water on the moon. This game could be a great starter activity to spark interest in the topic of space and all the learning around it.
Important historical dates could be timelines: the first satellite, first photo of earth, first man/woman/animal in space, 1969 moon landing etc.
What caused the dinosaurs to become extinct?

I enjoyed making this simple game and can see how children would be highly motivated

[Grainne Trears]

It is essential for all educators to stop and evaluate how digital technologies can be used to facilitate teaching and learning. There are so many digital tools available and educators need to be helped to find out about what is at there and how they can be best used to promote learning within different curricular subjects. The school self evaluation is a way for schools to identify their strengths and weaknesses and completing this around digital technologies and STEM can really help teachers to zone in on how improvements can be made. It also helps to open up discussion among staff, it aids collaboration and it helps to find expertise among teachers. Not all teachers will be hardwired to naturally embrace technologies, we all have our different strengths and weaknesses! It is also important to listen to the student and parental voice and get their input on what they view as meaningful and valuable. Having pupil interests included means they will be more invested in the learning experience and also more motivated.

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