Computer Science Office Newsletter
December 2023
Nick Grzeda: Computer Science Supervisor
I recently attended the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) Data Science and Career Pathways Summit and had an opportunity to connect with industry leaders, college professors, and leaders in the Commonwealth’s K-12 public education. There were many discussions about how data science education should be integrated and the importance of doing so. Dr. Zarek Drozda, Executive Director of Data Science 4 Everyone, was the keynote speaker. He provided a compelling rationale for including data science literacy in K-12 instruction. According to Dr. Drozda and the Statista chart, over 100 zettabytes of data/information have been created, captured, copied, and consumed worldwide throughout this year. I and most attendees had to Google what a zettabyte was. The response was a billion Terabytes or a trillion Gigabytes. Still, conceptually, this wasn't easy to understand. Dr. Drozda broke it down to the following analogy. If one megabyte of information is equivalent to one phone book (some of you may need to look up what a phone book is), and if they were stacked on Earth, their reach would extend beyond Pluto, beyond our solar system.
As educators, what do we do with that information? How do we find time to fit data science into an already overwhelming load of disciplines that must be taught daily? First, knowing that data science serves as the foundation for artificial intelligence (AI) by providing the methodologies and expertise for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting large datasets. And that AI, particularly machine learning, relies on quality data to train models, make predictions, and automate tasks, highlighting the intrinsic connection between data science and the development of intelligent systems. As we become more comfortable with AI tools and resources that enhance student learning and achievement, we will understand how data subsets are the base for that learning. The LCPS CS Office will facilitate an understanding of data science literacy with teachers and school-based administrators and build strategies to enhance student learning so that they can be better prepared to analyze and understand the vast amount of data the world offers.
Makey Makey
Makey Makey is an innovative and interactive invention kit that empowers people to turn everyday objects into touch-sensitive computer input. Developed by Jay Silver and Eric Rosenbaum, Makey Makey allows users to explore the world of electronics and programming in a playful and accessible way. The kit includes a circuit board with alligator clips that can be connected to various objects, turning them into conductive keys. Users can use fruits, household items, or even their own bodies to control computer programs, games, or musical instruments by completing a simple circuit. Makey Makey encourages creativity, experimentation, and a hands-on approach to learning about technology, making it an excellent tool for beginners and experienced enthusiasts to delve into the world of physical computing.
Moorefield Station Elementary Kindergarten Team (Morgan Clark, Nicole Erny, Teresa Grzech, Kathy Rather, Ellie Seaton, and Tamra York)
Lesson Overview
Since the beginning of the school year, the kindergarten team at Moorefield Station Elementary has been working to integrate Computer Science and Computational Thinking strategies into their weekly core content lessons.
To help students connect to the seven Computational Thinking strategies, the team focuses on one strategy each month. So far, they have covered developing algorithms, abstraction, and finding patterns. The teachers help the students connect the strategies to their daily activities. For example, during their number sense routines, students practice abstracting what numbers and shapes they see that are important to solve the problem.
Computer Science tools like Blue-Bots, Ozobots, and iRobot Roots are integrated into lessons to help deepen the learning for all students. During October, the students reviewed the pumpkin life cycle by coding their Blue-Bots to travel to each of the stages in the correct order. Unplugged lessons are also used to promote skills like communication and collaboration during SEL lessons. Students did a wonderful job creating handshake algorithms and teaching them to other classmates as part of their morning greetings.
Teacher Quotes
"Computer Science lessons provide my students with opportunities to be critical thinkers and problem solvers in an authentic and exciting way."
-Ellie Seaton
"Our class has enjoyed the unplugged coding activities. I appreciate how these activities provide my students with kinesthetic opportunities to not only practice the computer science concepts they are learning, but they are naturally learning how to tap into their critical thinking skills!!!"
-Tamra York
Heather Pochet: 4th Grade Teacher at Discovery Elementary
Lesson Overview
Fourth-grade students used the iRobot Roots to practice addition and subtraction patterns. Students first completed 16 task cards where they had to find the missing number in the pattern. Then, they used their iRobot Roots and coded them to move to the missing numbers of the patterns they found. Students worked collaboratively to create the code to move the robot and even worked together on debugging it if it went to the wrong number.
Teacher Quote
Students were engaged the whole time! It was a really fun activity for my students.
- Heather Pochet
Laura Chiang: Spanish 7-8 Teacher: J.L. Simpson Middle School
Lesson Overview
This project, part of a cultural exploration titled "Exploring Spanish-Speaking Countries," comprised three key steps. Initially, students developed a Scratch game to acquaint themselves with the program, focusing on content previously studied in class.
In the second phase, students utilized a Google Site on all Spanish-speaking countries and crafted a document delving into the cultural aspects of these nations.
In the third step, students employed Virtual Reality (VR) headsets to immerse themselves in landmarks of the researched Spanish-speaking countries. Videos were viewed through the headsets, allowing students to interact with the virtual environments. Following the VR tour, students filled out a form detailing their experiences and engaged in a discussion reflecting on the educational significance of the activity.
Finally, students created a Scratch game to share their newfound knowledge with their peers.
Teacher Quote
"The incorporation of computer science, particularly virtual reality, significantly enhanced student engagement in the lesson. Their interaction with virtual reality resulted in 100% improved engagement with the content. The combination of activities fostered interactive and productive learning, enabling them to compare their own culture with others and recognize the significance of both. The excitement observed during the lesson, together with the students' maturity in using the headsets, positively impacted class behavior due to the students’ complete interest in the activity."
- Laura Chiang
Hour of Code Event at the Academies of Loudoun
On Tuesday, December 5, the Academies of Loudoun hosted over 400 Level and PROPEL students from across Loudoun to participate in an Hour of Code event celebrating Computer Science Education Month. The event was run by over 100 Computer Science Honor Society students at the Academies of Loudoun. The high school students engaged these future computer scientists in different coding challenges that used VEX robots, micro bits, Edison Robots, and Pocket labs.
We look forward to seeing all the Computer Science Education Month events at your school! Tag @csforlcps on X with pictures of your Computer Science Education Month activities.
Contact Us
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