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Sustainable Future
Learning Through Action: 3rd and 4th Graders Tackle SDGs with Project-Based Learning STEM
This summer, I was fortunate to work with 3rd and 4th graders from Jefferson School, Union City. They embarked on an exciting journey, using project-based learning STEM, they built a community addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges aligned with SDGs 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7.
Students designed and built a community store to support families in need, and a food bank to ensure access to nutritious meals. They established a school garden, growing fresh produce for the local food bank and promoting sustainable agriculture.The outdoor gym encouraged all citizens to exercise and maintained a healthy lifestyle. They came up with a system to conserve water thus helping the environment. Finally, they built models of solar panels and wind turbines, showcasing renewable energy solutions.
Through this project, our young learners gained hands-on experience, developed problem-solving skills, and fostered a sense of responsibility towards global challenges. Together, they demonstrated that education can empower future leaders to make a positive impact on the world!
intro to coding
During this program students explored the concept and basic elements of programming including algorithms and logic. These students were engaged in hands-on programming tasks to write their own code and stories. They learned visual, physical and block-based coding with Scratch Jr, Hands-on Coding Blocks and tangible programming robots.
One of their favorite activities was to program Tale-Bot to draw perfect circles. They also enjoyed creating their own interactive story adding accessories to their bot friend.
Students created digital interactive stories and games using Scratch Jr. They modified and created their own characters using the paint editor features and finally used programming blocks to make them come to life.
Robotic Engineering Program
The Robotic Engineering Program provided first and second graders with the opportunity to build and operate different robots while learning visual coding, and programming through hands-on experience. These students learned basic computer science concepts including sequencing, algorithms, programming, debugging, and loops.
Some of our activities included designing and building mazes, tunnels, and obstacle courses. Students programmed different robots to set off a chain reaction and led two different parades. By the end of the program, these students gained much more than basic computer science concepts, they built confidence in their abilities, and became real team players.
Intro to Micro:Bit Program
The Intro to Micro:Bit Programmed was developed for fifth graders and middle school students. These students learned how to use a microcontroller (Micro:bit) with coding software (MakeCode) to design physical computing projects. They wrote lines of code and learned how to save, download, and upload their code from software to the microbit. Students engaged in pair programming as a way of collaborating with a partner.
Their favorite projects included a Digital Name Badge, creating a Micro:bit Pet, Scorekeeper for tracking their goals, and recreating the classic game of Rock, Paper, Scissor with two micro:bits. These students displayed their creativity and personality throughout the whole program.