We use different iPad apps to control or code these robots. The iPad apps we have used so far to communicate with Dash are "Go", "Blockly", and "Path" all by Wonder Workshop. We will also be using another Wonder Workshop app with Dash called "Wonder". In addition, we will be learning how Dash can incorporate his friend Dot to accomplish different challenges, and will be trying the Wonder League Robotics Competition monthly challenges.
We used "Go" to learn all of the Dash basics. "Blockly"helped us play Twister with Dash. We also used the "Path"app to drive Dash through race tracks that we made out of cardboard tubes, bowl in our makeshift bowling alley, and to get Dash to land on the 'X' that marked Dash's parking spot.
We have also been busy in our Creation Station where our friends upcycle different materials, and turn them into new creations. Our friends come up with a plan that they write or sketch out on our big dry erase tables. Once their design gets approved, they can use all of the materials available in the Creation Station to make their idea come to life. We have had some extraordinary creations so far!
We have also continued our work on various coding apps like BeeBot, Scratch Jr., and Lightbot.
Once we got reacclimated to the makerspace, we started new units with each of the grade levels. Currently, the grades are all working on the following:
1st grade has been working together in small groups to solve problems while building & coding robots with our Lego WeDo robotics kits
2nd grade is using digital products like Padlet.com to share their writing, They have been listening to read-alouds of different variations of Red Riding Hood. They answer questions about the different variations of the old tale, and post them on their class's Padlet account.
3rd graders have been using Scratch to code an animation of their name. Very soon we will share how you can view your student's name animation! They are so cool!
4th grade has gotten to explore our Bitsbox subscription which is new this year. They are following and learning the coding language, Javascript, to create apps that can later be loaded onto iPads.
5th graders have become movie producers, directors, and actors. They have been busy creating storyboards with their small group, and have recently begun to bring their storyboard to life. They have learned how to use our new green screens along with the app Green Screen by Do Ink so that the setting of their short film can be virtually anywhere. This new technology in combination with our stop motion apps, and iMovie are allowing them to be super movie makers.
Once their movies are a wrap, we will be having an Oscar Awards party in each class. We will view everyone's projects, and will recognize certain films in several different categories with an Oscar. Mrs.Czaicki, the 5th grade teachers, and myself will comprise the panel of judges. They are really anticipating Oscar day, and walking the "red carpet".
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We have even found time to explore, read, and checkout books, AND to create other amazing things in the our makerspace! Check out this Lego marble run our friends in Miss Flinn's 4th grade class made:
They revised their design multiple times until it finally worked! This is, without a doubt, putting the makerspace ideals into practice! It is our failures that make us successful!
If you don't want to take our word for it... Michael Jordan shares our sentiments! :)
Stay tuned for more pictures, and to hear all about what our Kindergarten friends have been up to!!!
