The Benefits of a Computer Science Education Jessica Gorman TJHSST Computer Systems (2008-2009) 1

What is the Scratch Program at Cardinal Forest Elementary School? 45 min class weekly Origins of the Program Gates Allard What do we do? curriculum developing process lesson agenda 2

What is Scratch? Scratch Developed by MIT Why Scratch? “kid friendly” Drag and drop text Multimedia/ visually focused 3

Developing a Curriculum Topics Integration of SOL topics Science History Math Coordinate system Problem solving Pseudo code Splitting a problem into steps Beginning comp sci skills loops Methods (when “green flag” clicked, go to v glide) 4

Timeline October - November: - Basic scratch skills December - January: -Teacher designed programs - Identify students interested in independent design February-May: - more freedom in project design in class projects -Student Projects 5

Shapes Project 6

Winter Wonderland Project 7

Fish Game Project 8

Benefits of a Computer Science Education? Research focus Benefits of a comp sci edu @ a young age? Type of child who benefits the most Procedure Distribute survey throughout year Personality Learning ability 9

(Expected) Results Possible benefits Problem solving Teamwork Following directions Abstract thinking 10

Observations A: student w/ behavioral issues B: quiet student one of brightest 2nd graders issues in the classroom never had problem in Scratch understood had to be respectful if wanted to learn B: quiet student barely talked to other students/ teachers very intelligent once asked to help his neighbor now, loves making his rounds to help the others 11