Cracking the code Paw Creek Elementary embraces computer-science immersion
Reiley Bratton-Mann stared intently at three animated characters moving across the Chromebook screen .
" It ' s an underwater dance ," the second-grader said as one figure moved around a picture of a fish . " This is fun . There are cool things on here , and you can do anything you can think up ."
Reiley is a student at Paw Creek Elementary , a science , technology , engineering and mathematics ( STEM ) school that this year began computer-science immersion with a focus on coding . The school will be one of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools ' partial-magnet programs next year , adding 180 seats and providing more options for students in the violet and blue transportation zones .
" The great thing about coding is that it connects with students at their level of excitement and they are a lot more engaged ," said second-grade teacher Jayme Terry . " With the knowledge they already have , they pick it up quicker than the teacher can teach it . A lot of them go home and create projects so they can show what they know ." much collaboration between different grade levels . Freedom to be creative is paramount . Students are given information to incorporate into their projects but have free rein with what they design and deliver .
Students have dedicated computer science time each week and it is embedded in lessons throughout the day . A robotics club also meets weekly after school where students are beginning to build Lego robots controlled by computer codes . There are also Epic Build events where students show their projects to their parents and others in CMS and the community .
Third-grader Donovan Robinson said he works on projects at home because it ' s fun .
" You can make anything you want , and sometimes my mom tries it with me at home ," he said , adding that he usually ends up being the teacher .
Students really relish knowing more than their parents . " But parents love it because they ' ve never seen them come home excited about school ," Terry said . " Now it ' s not something they have to ask about – their kids tell them ."
The coding program is the result of a partnership with Code to the Future , which provides the school with coaches and curriculum . Coding was a logical subject to teach students , who will move on to Coulwood STEM Academy after fifth grade , said Paw Creek Principal Danielle Belton .
" It was an exciting opportunity to begin this work this year ," Belton said . " In the next few years , there will be a 1 million-job gap in the computer-science field . Our students are learning critical thinking , problem solving -- skills for the jobs of the future ."
Coding involves developing and writing scripts for computer programs . Kindergartners begin with such projects as writing code to animate their names , while fifth-graders animate more advanced concepts . There is
About Paw Creek Elementary Paw Creek Elementary is one of many CMS schools with a signature theme or program that provides unique educational opportunities designed to engage students ’ interests and talents . The new School Choice plan offers a wide menu of theme-based programs and magnet schools for the 2017-2018 school year . More than 22,000 seats will be assigned through a lottery , which runs through Feb . 14 . It is open to all families with students enrolled in the district by Jan . 24 .
To learn more about School Choice and the lottery , please visit www . cmschoice . org .
Like Us
Medicaid , Health Choice , TRICARE , Blue Cross Blue Shield
Parent Teacher Magazine • March / April 2017 • 3