Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Computer-less Coding

Today during STEM Time a group of third through fifth graders had a chance to become computer programmers and robots.   Each student took the role of a programmer and in turn took the role of a robot.  Programs were created to stack cups in just the right way.  Students realized, through frustration at times,  the detailed steps that are required to "code" the robot to make the right moves.





Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Getting From Point A to Point B by Coding!

Students in grades 1 and 2 were expected to write "code" for Cameron, our high school helper, to get from one area of the classroom to another by traveling on tiles only.  He wanted to get to a water bottle and students had to tell him to turn 90 degrees, walk forward one space, or students even made him hop!  By students writing the "code" for the direction he would take, they learned what it would take for computer programmers to create a game!  They embraced the challenge and became "coders".


Coding Earns a 10!

As 3rd grader, Jane Swenson, worked to "code" the unicorn to meet the wizard, she worked carefully to plan the path the unicorn should take.  Students in 3rd-5th grade STEM Time learned the basics of computer coding using the Mac Lab at the high school.  Students were motivated and engaged as they attempted to create a small part of a computer game path.  




Sunday, December 7, 2014

iRead Kick Off at EMS!

The Edgerton Middle School iRead Book Challenge has begun!  Students in grades 6th-8th grade were introduced to the list of books for this year's book competition during their Language Arts classes on Friday.   Students from Edgerton High School were also part of the presentation and their role was to encourage and motivate the middle school students to read the variety of titles on this year's list.  The book lists ranges from wicked, magical titles like Doll Bones written by Holly Black to historical fiction and nonfiction like A Long Walk to Water and Bomb-The Race to Build and Steal the World's Most Dangerous Weapon.  The students will form teams and read books from now until the end of March.  Then the students will be 'put to the test' and team competitions will take place that quiz the students on the plots, settings, characters, and themes of the books.  The Final Four teams will compete the first week of April until a final iRead Champion will emerge!


Thursday, December 4, 2014

Investigating STEM Time at Yahara!

A group of 1st through 5th grade students started their investigation into STEM learning today at Yahara School.  They discussed what the acronym STEM represents:  Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.   They shared a variety of ideas that connected to each part of STEM Education.  Their first challenge was to make a egg holder out of 6 Little Tyke interlocking blocks.  The "egg nest" has to carry the egg acrross the gym without falling out.  Each group came up with a different way to create their nest and next week the eggs will be placed in the nests and will go for a ride! More STEM educaiton and activities will be coming soon.......