Computer Science Office Newsletter

Reflecting on the 2023-24 school year, it is inspiring to see how computer science opportunities occurring in LCPS have not only met but far exceeded our team’s expectations. I think about National Computer Science Education Week, where high school students took on the role of mentors, guiding elementary school students through various CS projects. This tradition in LCPS fosters collaborative learning environments for our students. It also bridges the gap between different education levels, cultivating a sense of community and sparking interest in computer science for elementary school students. The enthusiasm and collaboration displayed by students during these projects were inspiring.

The unwavering support from our Instructional Facilitators of Computer Science (IFCSs) has been instrumental in driving innovation within our schools. Their efforts are always evident to me during student showcases, STEM Nights, and specialized events at the AWS Think Big Space, where students display their knowledge about cutting-edge technologies and present interactive exhibits that captivate the interest of their parents and community. These events highlight practical applications of computer science and encourage families to engage with the subject matter in meaningful ways. By creating spaces where innovation thrives, the IFCSs have ensured that our students are active participants in Loudoun County's rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Furthermore, the collaboration between our CS Resource Teacher, Experiential Learning Coordinator, and the company Iridium opened new horizons for our students, particularly those at Loudoun County High School’s Computer Math class. This partnership provided a unique opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience in workforce development, enhancing their skills and preparing them for future careers in technology. This innovative collaboration empowered students to think critically, solve complex problems, and understand the real-world applications of their studies. As we look back on this year, it is clear that our commitment to innovation in computer science education has profoundly impacted our students, setting a strong foundation for their futures.

To say that planning next year is invigorating would be an understatement. These successes have breathed new life into my days and renewed my sense of purpose. I am confident that our innovative strategies will further empower both teachers and students. This forward momentum promises to unlock unprecedented opportunities for growth, collaboration, and excellence in computer science education, setting a new standard for all LCPS students.

To all of our LCPS teachers, instructional facilitators, and staff who work to provide students with a sense of purpose and pathways for their success, thank you for all that you do, and have a great summer.

On May 7, the Loudoun County Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) honored the Robots for Everyone Program at Legacy Elementary School with the Outstanding Inclusive Program award. This accolade highlights the program's dedication to fostering inclusivity and innovation in special education.

SEAC, a pivotal entity within the school division, collaborates with the School Board, administrators, parents, and teachers to support students receiving special education services. The committee advises on these students' needs and addresses issues pertinent to the special education community, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.

The Robots for Everyone Program, which started in the 2022-23 school year, is a testament to Legacy Elementary's commitment to inclusivity. Spearheaded by Rebecca Gratz, Instructional Facilitator of Computer Science; Logan McIntosh, Instructional Facilitator of Technology; and, Jeremy Lichliter, Dean, the program aims to bridge communication gaps for non-verbal students with Autism in a self-contained K-2 classroom.

Fourth and fifth graders are trained to use various robotics and Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP) devices, enabling them to assist their peers overcome communication barriers. The program educates students about Autism and empowers them to make a tangible difference in their school community.

Continuing into the 2023-24 school year, fifth graders pass on their knowledge about the initiative to the new fourth graders, ensuring the program's sustainability and ongoing impact. This peer-led model fosters a culture of empathy, leadership, and technological proficiency among students.

The recognition by SEAC underscores the program's success and its vital role in promoting an inclusive educational environment. Legacy Elementary's Robots for Everyone Program stands as a shining example of how technology and compassion can come together to create meaningful change in special education.

Microbits are revolutionizing the way students engage with technology and coding. These pocket-sized programmable computers are designed to introduce young minds to computer science fundamentals in a fun and accessible way.

Key Features of Microbits:

• Compact Design: Small enough to fit in a pocket, Microbits are equipped with an LED display, buttons, and a variety of sensors (accelerometer, compass, light, and temperature sensors).
• Connectivity: They feature radio and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for a range of interactive and wireless projects.
• Versatile Input/Output: Input/output pins enable connections to external components, enhancing project possibilities.

Learning Through Creation:

Microbits empower students to create their own programs and projects using user-friendly coding environments. Whether using block-based coding with MakeCode or diving into text-based languages like Python and Scratch, students can control the Microbit’s various features. This hands-on approach enables the creation of games, animations, data loggers, wearables, and much more.

A Global Educational Initiative:

Initially developed by the BBC, Microbits aim to promote digital literacy and coding skills among young learners, starting at age eight. Their design makes coding accessible and enjoyable for beginners while offering the complexity needed for more advanced projects as students progress.

Widespread Impact:

Today, Microbits are a key component of computer science and technology education in schools across over 60 countries. This global reach underscores their effectiveness in fostering a new generation of tech-savvy individuals.

Incorporating Microbits into the classroom transforms the learning experience, making coding and computer science tangible and exciting. As students create, experiment, and innovate, they are not just learning to code—they are learning to think critically and solve problems, skills that will serve them well in the digital age and beyond.

Emerick Elementary School celebrated Earth Day in a unique and eco-friendly way this year with its inaugural Trashion Fashion Show on April 22, 2024. The event showcased the creative talents of kindergartners through fifth graders who had been diligently working on their designs since February as part of the Emerick Computational Thinking Challenge.

The highlight of the show was seeing all 18 teachers strutting down the makeshift runway clad in outfits entirely crafted by their students. From cardboard boxes to snack wrappers and plastic bottles, the students ingeniously repurposed recyclable materials to fashion eye-catching ensembles for their mentors.

Six standout teachers were awarded for their exceptional contributions to the runway spectacle. Mrs. Lynch, the kindergarten teacher, snagged the title of "Most Creative Hat," while Mrs. Kirk, a fifth-grade educator, wowed the audience with her "Most Creative Shoes." Mr. Torre's ensemble earned him the coveted "Best in Show" accolade, showcasing the dedication and innovation fostered by the Computational Thinking Challenge.

The event not only fostered creativity and camaraderie but also underscored the importance of environmental consciousness. As students and teachers alike reveled in the festivities, the Trashion Fashion Show served as a poignant reminder of the power of repurposing and recycling in preserving our planet for future generations.

Recently, the Legacy Elementary community witnessed firsthand what happens when computer science and creativity come together. This year's Computer Science STEAM Day was an exciting adventure for both students and parents alike.

From coding robots to building gadgets, each activity was created to spark curiosity and help showcase problem-solving skills. Parents were able to see how much their children have learned this year with the various tools and programs available at the school. From controlling robots to tackling tricky challenges, the event showed how much kids can do with tech and a bit of creativity. Students used their computational thinking skills to design and build engaging creations like claw machines and amusement park rides using tools like LEGO Spike, iRobot Root, and Sphero Indi.

As the morning wrapped up, big smiles on everyone's faces showed how awesome the Computer Science STEAM Day: Amusement Park Edition was. It wasn't just a fun day—it was a big celebration of learning, creativity, and all the amazing things kids can do when given the opportunity.

As the Math SOL approached, fifth-grade students in Mrs. Alegra's class used the iRobot Root to prepare for their test.

This hands-on approach helped them solidify their understanding of geometry in an engaging and interactive way. Throughout the activity, students began by coding the Root to draw simple quadrilaterals. As they grew more confident, they tackled increasingly complex challenges, including various types of triangles and multi-sided plane figures. This progression allowed them to deepen their knowledge and refine their skills incrementally.

Using computational thinking strategies, students coded the robot to draw precise lines and shapes. One of the most intriguing challenges required them to grasp the concept of inside and outside angles in order to code the Root to draw a perfect equilateral triangle. This task pushed them to apply their understanding beyond the standard curriculum, fostering a deeper comprehension of geometric principles.

The use of iRobot Root in geometry practice made learning fun and provided the practical application of coding and computational thinking, preparing students well for their Math SOL.

At Dominion Trail Elementary, first-grade students engaged in the exciting world of science and technology under the guidance of teachers Maggie Gearing, Lisa Roth, Julia Hellstrom, and Angela Manning. The young learners have been hard at work showing their understanding of motion by constructing various amusement park rides.

As part of their science curriculum, the students explored different types of movements—circular, spinning, back-and-forth, and straight. This hands-on project allowed the students to apply concepts in a fun and engaging way, fostering both creativity and a deeper understanding of physics.

The students also delved into the basics of block-based coding, an essential skill in today’s world. This introduction to coding provided the students with a foundation in computational thinking, as they programmed their rides to move in the ways they had studied.

The first graders had the chance to build a setting for their amusement park rides to bring their creations to life. This aspect of the project enhanced their understanding of physical science and coding, and encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and imaginative play.

Potowmack Elementary School’s first graders have been busy exploring the lives and contributions of famous Virginians, culminating in an impressive display of interactive posters. Guided by their dedicated teachers—Robyn Dicarlo, Ena Guevara-Marquez, Carol Kee, and Leslie Munoz—students used Makey Makey technology to bring their projects to life.

After learning the history and achievements of various notable Virginians, the students gathered fascinating facts and stories about these figures and presented them in interactive posters they created. Using Makey Makey, an innovative tool that turns everyday objects into touchpads, the students integrated their recorded voices and digital elements into their posters, which allowed them to creatively share what they had learned in a dynamic and engaging way.

The project deepened the students’ understanding of their state’s history and provided an opportunity to develop teamwork and technical skills. The interactive posters were a hit, showcasing the creativity and enthusiasm of Potowmack Elementary’s first-grade students.

This month, the kindergarten classrooms at Sanders Corner Elementary buzzed with excitement as students immersed themselves in the magical world of fairy tales. As a grand finale to their fairy tale unit, the young learners brought their favorite stories to life in a tech-savvy experience with the help of the iRobot Root and its touch bot coding program.

The project began with students breaking down their chosen stories into key parts, creating a detailed planning document to ensure each element was in the correct sequence. The children collaborated in teams, carefully coding the iRobot Root to navigate through each segment of the story. As the robot moved from one part to the next, the students animatedly retold the tale, enhancing their understanding and enjoyment of these classic stories.

This innovative approach reinforced their comprehension and sequencing skills, introducing them to the basics of coding in a fun and engaging way. The blend of storytelling and technology created an unforgettable learning experience, leaving students eager for more adventures in both reading and robotics.

As we wrap up this academic year, it's time to reflect on the incredible journey we've embarked on together. This year has been filled with growth, discovery, and the joy of learning.

One of the highlights of the year was working with teachers like Beth and Emily, who initially approached technology with apprehension but soon embraced it with enthusiasm. Beth’s journey from curiosity to confidence in using robots for teaching real numbers and geometric transformations was truly inspiring. As she embarks on her retirement, I wish her all the best!

Emily soared when we worked on scale drawings with her math students. Her success story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the willingness to learn.

Brandon’s classroom was another space of innovation where students used CODAP to analyze data and connect it with their learning about scatterplots. The moment of realization that scatterplots can be meaningful was a joy to witness.

Co-leading the Computational Thinking cohort at Seneca Ridge was a rewarding experience. We explored various tools like CODAP, Tuva, Minecraft, and programmable robots, and how they could enhance student engagement and elevate rigorous thinking. It was satisfying to see several teachers walk away with new ideas for their classrooms.

Another milestone was providing PD on the use of generative AI in planning. We discussed how tools like Copilot can become thought partners in our work, opening new avenues for innovation and creativity.

This year has been about empowering students and contributing to an exemplary staff. It's been a year of overcoming doubts, embracing new technologies, and witnessing the bright sparks of understanding in students' eyes. Thank you for being a part of this rewarding journey. You do more than teach, you inspire!

This spring, 6th grade science teachers at Farmwell Station, Harper Park, and Smart’s Mill Middle Schools engaged in an engaging and hands-on experience. Using the iRobot Root robots and a model of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, teachers brought environmental science and computational thinking to life in their classrooms.

In this creative lesson, students explored the vital importance of what ends up in our watershed and how it impacts our planet. With a blend of creativity and technology, students made this lesson their own. Some classes used posters with watershed images, while others crafted intricate paths using painter’s tape to simulate the journey of a water droplet through the watershed.

The core of this activity involved computational thinking. Students designed their paths and then used block coding to program their iRobot Root robots. Students engaged in several iterations, refining their code until their water drop successfully navigated the designed path. This process introduced students to coding while emphasizing problem-solving and collaboration.

One enthusiastic student shared, “I have to stand up and pretend I am the robot before I know which way to program my robot! This is a lot of work, but it’s so much fun when you get it right!” This sentiment was echoed by teachers, especially those new to the lesson. “My students loved the iRobot extension today! So fun!!” one teacher exclaimed, while another noted, “Learning these skills is so important. They are lucky they get to do this!”

This experience enhanced students’ understanding of environmental science and equipped them with essential skills in computational thinking and coding.

As the year comes to a close, we want to highlight the successful pilot of the advanced Data Structures/Artificial Intelligence course at Rock Ridge High School. The course was developed in collaboration with scientists from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus and offers students a unique opportunity to delve deep into the world of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Until this year, the highest level of computer science available to students outside specialized academies was AP Computer Science A. With an increasing number of students completing this course early in their high school careers, there was a clear need for a more advanced curriculum to keep pace with their ambitions and interests.

The new Data Structures/AI course is designed to fill this gap, help build workforce readiness skills, and provide credentialing opportunities essential for future career development. Students are introduced to fundamental and advanced concepts, ranging from basic data structures like stacks, queues, and trees, to the sophisticated algorithms that drive machine learning. This hands-on course empowers students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems, fostering innovation and critical thinking. Through this partnership with Janelia, Rock Ridge High School is setting a new standard for computer science education, preparing students for the challenges of college-level coursework and the evolving demands of the technology workforce.

Email: csforlcps@lcps.org
Website: https://www.lcps.org/Page/235030
Location: J. Lupton Simpson Middle School, Evergreen Mills Rd, Leesburg, VA, USA
Phone: 571-252-2854
Twitter: @csforlcps