STEM, Technology
BRINGING ENGINEERING DESIGN & CODING INTO YOUR CLASSROOM (STEM)
Course No. CM403p, CM503p
Design Thinking is a critical skill needed for our students to be prepared to solve life skills they will encounter throughout life in any circumstances. Design Thinking is the non-linear iterative process in which to solve problems. The engineering design process includes the following:
1) Define the Problem
2) Research
3) Plan
4) Create
5) Test and
6) Improve.
Code.org and Scratch are two free online programs that teach students basic coding skills and allow them to create various projects of their choice, including games, animations, stories, and art.
Both programs use block coding, a form of programming that allows the user to create code without having to learn specific coding languages. This class is designed for the teacher interested in teaching coding but lacks a background in computer science. The course material is most appropriate for teaching grades 3 - 9, but it is also great for anyone who wants to learn basic coding for themselves. Upper-level high school teachers may find that the class helps create introductory lessons for higher-level coding classes.
Participants in this course will gain the background knowledge necessary to teach the engineering design process and basic coding activities. Through exploring informative websites and free online coding programs, teachers will engage in activities that can be used directly in their classrooms.
You will complete the class feeling confident in your ability to teach the curriculum and have lesson plans that are ready to go. There are no additional fees associated with this class.
| We advise you to review and download the course syllabus before registering. | Syllabus |
- Understand the engineering design process and the importance of exposing design thinking to their students.
- Understand how to navigate code.org website, create classes linked from Google Classroom or alternative means, and monitor student progress in activities.
- Understand the basics of Scratch and create a coded project of their own to provide examples to the class.
- Have created an engineering design and coding unit that can be used in their classroom
