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VSB Continum of skills

For Coding and Computational Thinking

Below are VSB’s recommended and supported resources for the Grade K-9 Applied Design, Skills and Technologies (ADST) curriculum (Computational Thinking, Robotics, etc).

Download and view the spreadsheet here: Continuum of Skills.docx

Grade K-1

BIG IDEASK-1 Notes
  • Designs grow out of natural curiosity.
  • Skills can be developed through play.
  • Technologies are tools that extend human capabilities.
  • We recommend that students focus on UnPlugged (UP) activities

Grade 2-3 

  Gr 2-3 Notes
  • Learning Computational Thinking using simple robots and a board game 
  • Block based programming with an iPad – creating stories

Grade 4-5 

BIG IDEAS Notes
  • Designs can be improved with prototyping and testing.
  • Skills are developed through practice, effort, and action.
  • The choice of technology and tools depends on the task.
  • Continue Block based programming – developing games and animations
  • Sphero challenges
  • Exploring Board Games to promote Computational Thinking
  • Activity – Build own game

Grade 6-7 

BIG IDEAS Notes
  • Design can be responsive to identified needs.
  • Complex tasks require the acquisition of additional skills.
  • Complex tasks may require multiple tools and technologies.


 
  • Continue Block based programming developing games and animations
  • Move to Sphero challenges
  • Continue to explore Board Games to promote CTC
  • Build own game
  • Program the Micro:bit: Fit bit 
  • Program & design wristband
  • Program the Micro:bit Reaction timer

Grade 8 

BIG IDEAS Notes
  • Design can be responsive to identified needs.
  • Complex tasks require the acquisition of additional skills.
  • Complex tasks may require multiple tools and technologies.

In SD39, Grade 8 students will generally take an ADST8 rotation course at their high schools. 

ADST8 rotation frequently provide some of the following areas of study;

Entrepreneurship and Marketing

  • Use Ozobots to teach the concept of disruptive technologies. E.g. robotic warehouse sorting robots, amazon robot deliveries, etc.

Computational Thinking

  • Beginner: micro:bits to explore a variety of coding languages and concepts.
  • Intermediate: Arduino
  • Advanced: Raspberry Pi

Computers and Communications Devices

  • Build and design a computer system, learn how to  code/create batch installers and/or automated processes.
  • Use Office 365 Flow app to code/program workflows

Drafting

  • Use 3d printers or laser cutters in conjunction with TinkerCAD to code (and make) a 3d printable object e.g snowflake (winter),  jack-o-latern (fall), etc.

Media Arts

  • Learn how to create batch workflows
  • Explore alogrithms that make software like Photoshop function. (selection tools such as magic wand)

Robotics

  • Program a robot to detect a bump, drive in a specific pattern, etc. (VEX iQ is recommended for Grade 8 and 9)

Grade 9

BIG IDEAS Notes
  • Social, ethical, and sustainability considerations impact design.
  • Complex tasks require the sequencing of skills.
  • Complex tasks require different technologies and tools at different stages.

In SD39, Grade 9 students are able to pick and choose their elective courses.

Some ADST9 courses that focus on Coding and Computational Thinking include;

Information and Communication Technologies

  • explore a variety of coding languages and concepts.
  • explore web design (html/flash/javascript/python/etc.)
  • Use Office 365 Flow app to code/program workflows

Drafting

  • Explore, troubleshoot and apply g-code coding through the use of CNC laser engravers, 3d printers, and routers.

Electronics and Robotics

  • Program a robot to detect a bump, drive in a specific pattern, etc. (VEX iQ is recommended for Grade 8 and 9)
  • Explore the relation of electricity and logic gates (transistors).
  • Program and design circuits using codeable microcontrollers such as the ATtiny line.
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