STEM AND COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION
MCCSC has a computer science curriculum plan for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. This plan was introduced in the Fall of 2018 and first implemented in the 2018-2019 school year. Teachers and students have quarterly goals that align with the Indiana Computer Science standards. As part of this curriculum, students: • Learn about digital citizenship using lessons from Common Sense Media • Engage in unplugged and plugged coding lessons from code.org and Scratch • Collaborate with their peers in engineering design challenges tied to literacy • Use productive technology like Educreations and Google Slides to showcase their work In addition to the classroom activities mentioned above, MCCSC students have several unique learning opportunities in the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). • 4th Grade Maker Challenge: All fourth grade classes participate in the annual Maker Challenge. In 2018, MCCSC partnered with IU Health and their new hospital build. Students could design a device to help a child with a disability, create a model of the children’s space in the new hospital, or create a toy for a child in the hospital. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges from the MCCSC and IU Health in several categories including Best Presentation, Most Innovative, and Best Design. • Evening of Code: The Evening of Code takes place in December at Bloomington High Schools North and South. During this event, students and parents can try hands-on coding activities, problem solve with developmentally appropriate robots, and see robotics teams from around the corporation. • GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science) Event: GEMS is a n inclusive event open to all fifth and sixth grade students in Monroe County. Students can visit the career expo to see a variety of community STEM partners, and then engage in exciting lessons with STEM professionals. • VEX Robotics Clubs: Several of our elementary schools offer VEX Robotics as an after school club. Students learn how to build and control robots using teamwork and strategy to compete in events around the state.
| 9 Elementary School Guide
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