Kindergartners begin their STEM(a) journey by learning about coding and robotics. 

Throughout the coding unit, students will be exposed to some of the aspects that a computer programmer would consider when coding a simple animation or game. Students will learn basic coding terms such as algorithm, conditional statements, loops, and events. The goal of this kit is for students to begin thinking about how video games and computers function. Students will practice coding skills by playing with OSMO’s coding game as well as create an animation using Scratch Jr.

Throughout the Robotics Unit, students will learn that a robot is a machine that can SENSE, THINK, and ACT. They will utilize Cubelets to explore these actions, and simulate real world application. This will be done by students building a robot they can control with their hands, as well as with action outputs. After students understand how a robot works, they will be challenged to work in teams to build a fast robot to win a race. By the end of this kit, students will have an understanding of the different parts of a robot, how they work together, and be able to build a robot to perform a specific task and explain how it works.

Students in first grade continue learning the STEM(a) pathways of AR/VR and Mobile Development.

Augmented reality brings learning to life and makes it more meaningful, engaging, and fun. When static images are superimposed into the world around students, they get a hands-on, interactive understanding of the concept they are learning. In this unit, students will begin to understand the power of augmented reality. Students will be exposed to an interactive 3D Solar System, bring their own colorings to life, and guide a robot by coding through a virtual maze. Creativity, wonder, and imagination will be fostered as students understand the overlay of fantasy and reality.

Mobile devices are a common means of accessing technology. This unit will expose students to the basic skills needed for mobile development while providing the satisfaction of a functioning program within the timeframe of one class. Unifix Cubes will allow students a simple, hands-on means of exploring algorithms. Using Bitsbox, students will practice testing and debugging a program. Storytelling is an important aspect of an engaging game. Students will develop a story as a whole group and then use Bloxels to create an engaging game. Upon completion of this unit, students will have created multiple, functioning mobile applications that can be shared with family and peers.

Our second graders venture into the units of Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence.

The Cybersecurity unit introduces students to computer science technology. Students learn about cybersecurity and explore computer science careers. They also discover why cybersecurity careers are important for keeping people safe. Students understand dangers that can exist online and learn ways to stay safe online, including ways to address cyberbullying. Additionally, students study binary code and practice communicating with computers by programming and using the Sphero Mini. They also utilize critical thinking skills to crack secret codes, resulting in some physical fun.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) unit will help students to begin to understand the concept of AI. Students will deepen their understanding of intelligence by completing tasks that have intentional constraints applied and they will create original products while considering multiple constraints. Throughout this kit, students will work with the Botzee Robot and the artificial intelligence software contained within the Lexibook Powerman Jr. robot. Additionally, students will explore the importance of patterns in coding through music with Boomwhackers and Chrome Music Lab.

Before moving onto NTI, our third graders learn about Engineering Design Process and Drones Through Aeronautics.

Throughout this Engineering Design Process unit, students will be exposed to robots and the Engineering Design Process. The goal of the unit is to encourage students to explore robotics and coding through play. Students will work to solve a problem by identifying the problem, asking questions, and imagining how they can help solve the problem.

In the Drones and Aeronautics Unit, students will learn about the science of travel through the air. They will watch videos, participate in experiments, and perform research to investigate flight, evaluate the effects of air pressure, discover how birds fly, identify the basic parts of an airplane, and demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of lift and thrust. Using the Engineering Design Process, students will participate in a paper airplane challenge, which will allow them to apply their knowledge in real time to create and improve upon a far-flying paper airplane design. The unit culminates with students examining a real-life drone up close and in flight.

In addition to the units being taught in our STEM(a) special, second grade students learn Animation in their Art special. The Animation Unit introduces students to video editing and stop motion movie making through different software apps. Students will have multiple opportunities to create animations. They will animate their names being magically spelled out in playdough and create the pages for a digital animal alphabet book that displays letters turning into animals. Through their understanding of the elements of a story, they will work in groups to write and animate their own stories with defined characters, setting, and a plot that includes a beginning, middle, and end. At the end of the unit, student-created videos will be shared with the school.