Computer Science Office Newsletter

Recently, TeachAI published the AI Guidance for Schools Toolkit found at https://www.teachai.org/toolkit so that school divisions can support educators and school-based administrators in leveraging the educational purposes of incorporating AI into daily instruction. On page 14 of this toolkit, they provide a graphical representation of a tree of the foundational concepts related to preparing students for AI and the impact that it will have on society. They have listed Algorithms, Ethics, Data, and Programming at the base or proverbial trunk of the foundational concepts. In Loudoun County Public Schools, the content area offices support this work by integrating Computer Science in grades K-8, and the Math and CTE Offices expand Computer Science course offerings in each of these areas with fidelity. Concurrently, as this base is being strengthened through collaboration, the branches of AI, Robotics, Cybersecurity, and Data Science are growing in LCPS too.

Through our internal and external collaboration with industry partners, students in LCPS are gaining access to secondary courses and opportunities to engage in machine learning and education in current trends in Computer Science, thus enhancing their college, workforce, and military readiness skills. As we prepare for National Computer Science Education Week, December 4-10, where the annual theme is Creativity with AI https://hourofcode.com/us, I am thankful for the collaboration being provided to our students so that they may become successful contributors to society. I also hope that you can join us at the AWS Think Big Space on the evening of Wednesday, December 13, for the A Night to InnovateCS Open House, where students and the community can engage in Computer Science, Machine Learning, and AI activities. Current CS students and members of the Computer Science Office will be on-site to increase your awareness of LCPS’ strategic vision and support system for providing all students in LCPS with CS Education.

An Ozobot is a small, programmable robot designed for educational purposes and interactive play. It is equipped with color and line detection sensors that allow it to follow colored lines on surfaces and respond to specific color-coded commands. By using these color codes and a simple visual programming language, users can create sequences of commands for the Ozobot to execute, fostering learning in subjects like coding, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

The compact size and user-friendly interface make the Ozobot an accessible tool for introducing robotics and programming concepts to learners of various ages.

Second-grade students at Frances Hazel Reid Elementary recently had a very special computer science lesson. Using 3D design software, the students created braille keychains that were 3D printed at the Amazon Web Services Think Big Space at J.L. Simpson Middle School. In addition to using innovative modeling software, the students learned an even more important lesson – making sure everyone felt included.

Lesson Overview

Students worked in groups during their math block with Blue Bots to reinforce concepts connected to number sense. In this activity, each member of the group was given a specific task to complete. During their time together, students took turns picking number cards from a pile, locating the number on the grid, writing the number on a whiteboard, representing the number using manipulatives, and programming the robot to travel to the number on the grid. All of the 5Cs were prevalent in this lesson, as well as several of the Computational Thinking strategies.

Teacher Quote

"I love incorporating CS into lessons because it's fun, all kids can participate and it's easy to differentiate lessons to give the students what they need."

- Kelli Piliere

Lesson Overview

Students embarked on an exploration of the solar system, utilizing their computational thinking and programming skills. Through their research, students became experts on specific planets, translating their knowledge into vibrant posters and CS First programs. The presentations went beyond factual details, aiming to provide an immersive experience for classmates viewing their projects. Through their creations, they shared information focusing on where a specific planet could be found, facts about the planet, and much more! Students were also given the opportunity to bring their posters to life through the integration of MaKey MaKey.

Teacher Quote

“Computer Science engages students in learning about technology and in our world today, technology is everywhere. Using CS in the classroom provides opportunities for my students to be creative and could lead to career opportunities.” Beyond that, she shared, “Personally, I love Science and STEM, and I want my students to have a chance to love it too!”

-Tori Ventrosco

Lesson Overview:

Students at Brambleton Middle School utilized Pitsco straw rocket launchers to explore the intricacies of space exploration and enhance their computational thinking skills. By delving into aerodynamics, propulsion, and trajectory prediction, students gained hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the physics behind rocket propulsion. This process mirrored real-world problem-solving, encouraging critical thinking, data collection/analysis, and informed decision-making.

The underlying goal of this project was to ignite a passion for space exploration and instill the importance of computational thinking as a tool for innovation and problem-solving in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Teacher Quote:

“What made the activity so great was that students were able to utilize several different scenarios where they changed the pressure, distance and angles of the launchers to send the rockets into "space". Each of us (Science 6 teachers) was able to adapt the lesson based on students' background knowledge and areas of expertise to address the concepts in a manner that was meaningful to them. In addition to having fun, students employed computational thinking strategies and were able to perform calculations based on collected data and make predictions and adjustments throughout the activity.”

-Rebecca Puterio on behalf of BAM Sci 6

The Computer Science Office is thrilled to announce the creation of nine chapters of the Computer Science Honor Society (CSHS) at the following high schools.

• Broad Run

• John Champe

• Dominion

• Freedom

• Lightridge

• Loudoun Valley

• Park View

• Riverside

• Stone Bridge

The purpose of this organization is to encourage students’ enthusiasm for computer science, to honor academic excellence and to prompt service. These organizations commit to the three core values of equity, service, and excellence. Students are eligible for membership if they have completed at least one year of rigorous computer science coursework and each chapter creates at least one computer science service project each year.

The creation of these organizations marks a milestone in the teachers' and students' commitment to fostering a passion for computer science, recognizing academic excellence and inspiring a spirit of service among our computer science students. We look forward to the contributions that will emerge from these honor societies, and hope to foster the next generation of computer science enthusiasts.

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