New Computer Science
Course Implemented in NHSD
Elementary Schools
F
or the first time, North Hills School
District elementary students are taking
part in Computer Science classes as
part of their six-day elementary cycle.
As the year progresses, they’ll be coding,
programming and, in general, becoming
accomplished and savvy software engineers.
The first task for third-graders in teacher
Erica Kain’s classroom was to build a stable
structure that was taller than a Dixie cup and
could hold a hardcover book. The catch? Your
only construction materials were gumdrops
and toothpicks. The task was quite difficult,
but Ms. Kain reported our students in various
elementary buildings showed amazing
persistence throughout the task saying things
like “Well, THIS part stayed up,” “We need to try
again,” “We’re almost there” and “That was better than last time.”
The task laid the groundwork for the persistence that students
will need when they face coding challenges throughout the year.
They are
working to
understand
the
connection
44
ROSS TOWNSHIP
between “frustration” and “persistence” and to
create a plan for those moments when they
feel stuck or frustrated while they learn to
program computers for the first time.
In sixth-grade one of the first lessons of
the year detailed the four steps of the design
process -- Define, Prepare, Try, Reflect -- using
aluminum foil boats. Students DEFINED their
problem as each boat had to float holding 15
pennies. Students PREPARED by discussing
their proposed design. Students TRIED their
boats, and they REFLECTED together on
the results. The lesson was a wet, fun way
to instill the knowledge that when you are
programming code, you may need multiple
iterations before it’s a success.
We’ll be touching base with Ms. Kain and
our other elementary computer science teachers Elise Neill and
Julie MacDonald throughout the school year about our exciting
new computer science curriculum. Please follow NHSD on our
social media
outlets for more
information on
this program and
many others.