Event Information
ISTELive Content1. Introduction & Setting the Stage (10 minutes)
Content:
o A brief introduction to unplugged coding, its significance in K-12 education, and its versatility across subjects.
o Emphasize how unplugged coding fosters computational thinking and problem-solving, applicable in real-world contexts beyond coding.
Engagement:
o Icebreaker Game: Play a quick game like “Two Truths and a Lie” where participants introduce themselves and share a coding-related fact or myth.
o Interactive Poll: Use a quick poll (via a show of hands or a digital tool like to assess familiarity with coding/unplugged activities.
o Inspiring Anecdote: Share a fun, real-world story of an unplugged coding success that inspires and sets the tone.
Process:
o Peer-to-peer interaction: Encourage quick introductions and sharing coding experiences. This establishes a collaborative and relaxed atmosphere.
2. Hands-On Activity 1: 'Human Robot' (15 minutes)
Content:
o Introduce sequencing and algorithms through the 'Human Robot' activity where participants act as robots following instructions given by peers (programmers).
o Reinforce the concept that coding is about breaking down complex tasks into simple instructions.
Engagement:
o Role Play with Themes: Add fun by assigning playful roles like “Superhero Robot” or “Dancing Robot” to inject humor into the activity.
o Team Challenge: Divide into groups and see which team’s robot can complete a task most efficiently, adding a competitive edge.
Process:
o Participants switch roles to experience both perspectives of “robot” and “programmer,” engaging them in problem-solving and debugging.
o Afterward, guide participants to reflect on their experience and discuss challenges encountered during the activity.
3. Short Presentation on Core Coding Concepts (5 minutes)
Content:
o Briefly explain foundational coding concepts like sequencing, loops, conditionals, and algorithms.
o Highlight how these concepts can be taught in any environment, even without technology.
Engagement:
o Visual Storytelling: Use short, relatable animations or storytelling to simplify complex concepts.
o Real-World Examples: Encourage participants to share where they see these concepts in their daily lives, like recipes or morning routines.
Process:
o Peer-to-peer: Ask participants to pair up and discuss how they would explain these concepts to their students.
4. Hands-On Activity 2: Algorithm Art (15 minutes)
Content:
o Participants will follow pre-written algorithms to create simple drawings, demonstrating how algorithms guide computers to perform tasks.
o Highlight algorithmic thinking and how even small changes in instructions can affect the final product.
Engagement:
o Themed Creativity: Offer algorithm cards with themes like “Outer Space” or “Underwater Adventure” to stimulate creativity.
o Art Contest: Encourage friendly competition to see who creates the most artistic or accurate drawing based on the algorithm.
Process:
o Groups compare drawings and discuss how different instructions led to variations, reinforcing the concept of debugging in coding.
o Table discussions: Participants reflect on how this activity could be adapted for different age groups.
5. Short Presentation on Practical Applications (5 minutes)
Content:
o Show how unplugged coding can be integrated into classrooms, libraries, and makerspaces, with examples from successful programs.
o Provide resources for lesson plans and tools that can be used for unplugged coding in various educational settings.
Engagement:
o Real-World Examples: Share stories or videos showing unplugged coding in action in schools, highlighting success stories.
o Interactive Q&A: Invite participants to ask questions or share their own insights on integrating unplugged coding into their environments.
Process:
o Pair brainstorming: Have attendees brainstorm how they can adapt unplugged coding for their students, library programs, or tech classes, sharing ideas with their neighbors.
6. Hands-On Activity 3: Coding Card Game – 'Code the Path' (10 minutes)
Content:
o Participants work in groups to use coding commands to navigate a grid, learning about loops, conditionals, and debugging.
o Focus on teamwork and strategy, as participants develop the most efficient path using coding logic.
Engagement:
o Time Challenge: Add a competitive element by giving groups a time limit to find the fastest or most efficient route.
o Strategy Building: Teams must discuss and collaborate on their approach, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving.
• Process:
o After completing the game, teams reflect on the strategies they used and how they could adapt the game for their own classrooms or makerspaces.
7. Q&A, Reflection, and Resources (5 minutes)
Content:
o Recap key unplugged coding concepts and how they can be used across K-12 settings.
o Provide resources, including websites, books, and lesson plans that teachers, librarians, and technologists can use to bring unplugged coding to their students.
Engagement:
o Open Discussion: Facilitate a Q&A session where participants can ask specific questions or share their experiences.
o Takeaway Reflections: Encourage attendees to share one key takeaway or idea they plan to implement in their own setting.
Process:
o Distribute handouts or a digital resource link with unplugged coding activities and lesson plans.
Articles & Books
CS Unplugged- by Tim Bell, Ian H. Witten and Mike Fellows
Tim Bell’s work emphasizes that foundational computer science concepts can be taught without computers, supporting the inclusion of unplugged coding activities in education.
"Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding" by Linda Liukas
This book introduces young children to computational thinking and coding concepts through engaging, unplugged storytelling and activities.
Teaching Computational Thinking and Coding to Young Children Tufts University, USA by Marina Umaschi Bers
Marina Bers, a well-known expert in coding education, emphasizes the role of playful, hands-on activities (including unplugged coding) in early childhood learning.
Websites
Computer Science Unplugged: https://www.csunplugged.org/
Code.org: https://code.org/
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