Celebrating Computer Science Education Week

Hour of Code 2019

In celebration of Computer Science Education Week (December 9 - 15, 2019) classes at Spofford Pond Elementary School participated in an Hour of Code.  Hour of Code is a worldwide phenomenon that reaches tens of millions of students in almost 200 countries. Spofford Pond’s school wide coding event is just one of thousands that takes place during this week around the globe.

Spofford Pond students spent some time during their library/media classes trying various coding activities from the Hour of Code website.  Students learned computer science skills, math skills, problem-solving and perseverance in each coding activity. They worked collaboratively and creatively to solve the puzzles and move through the programming lessons.

It was an exciting week of amazing discoveries, fun creations and confidence building exercises.

A special thanks to Mrs. Boulay who helped make this event possible!

Technology Essential Questions:
What are the fundamentals of computer programming?
How are algorithms used in coding?
How can you use computer programming to complete a task?
How is computer programming useful in real life?
How might you use computer programming in your future career?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.CT.b; 3-5.CT.d; 6-8.CT.b; 6-8.CT.d

Escape Room Challenge

Breakout EDU

Classrooms in several grades are continuing to attempt to "Breakout"! Mrs. Cronin's class and Mr. Duffy's class worked very hard to conquer, Map Skills! Ms. Boyle's class worked together to discover what happened in the case of the Missing Moai! Collaboration was the key to success!  Great job everyone! 

Mr. Duffy's Grade 4 - Congratulations!

Ms. Boyle's Grade 6 - solved it with minutes to spare!

Mrs. Cronin's Grade 4 - working hard!

Case of the Missing Moai Hook Video (watch carefully! It's full of clues!) Technology Essential Questions:
Why is exploration an important part of learning?
How can an "escape room" experience motivate students and inspire active participation? How can an "escape room" experience inspire critical thinking, collaboration, communication & creativity?

STEM Challenge

Challenge Accepted!

Students in Ms. Boyle's Grade 6 classroom really stepped up to the Fall STEM Challenge. The challenge?  Design and build a prototype machine ("The Extractinator") that could syphon micro plastics and material from water. The kicker?  Prototypes had to be built using only items from the recycling bin. The time frame?  One week to design, build, test and submit for feedback. Wow... The hard work these students put into their design and build is outstanding! Check out their pictures, the video and the feedback they got from STEM professionals.

But will it work?

Feedback from STEM Professionals:

Technology/STEM Essential Questions How are science and engineering skills used to solve design problems? How can we use the technology tools available to help us ideate solutions to a problem? How can we use the technology tools available to use to record our findings for further reflection?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:
6-8. CS.b; 6-8.DTC.b; 6-8.DTC.c; 6-8.CT.e