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LOMIE HEARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

CODY Learners: Think. Code. Thrive!

Coding & Robotics

Coding & Robotics

Our Magnet theme is based on coding and robotics. We believe that all learners should have experiences in a variety of coding environments and with robots of varying complexity and capabilities. Learning to code a website is different than coding a game or in virtual reality. To that end, we have developed this scope and sequence of coding and robotics experiences that allow our learners to develop coding skills across all grade levels.

WHY LEARN CODING?

Coding is an emerging literacy in education. In practice, it’s the way programmers give instructions to machines. Code written by programmers is responsible for all the software applications we use every day. Coding isn’t just confined to computers. Code runs in our cars, refrigerators, traffic lights, clocks, and coffee makers. Everything that is electronic is driven by code. When we teach coding, we’re teaching a way of thinking about giving instructions, solving problems, and creating new possibilities.

BENEFITS OF LEARNING TO CODE

Computing is a fundamental part of daily life, commerce, and just about every occupation in our modern economy. It is essential that students are exposed to the field of computer science in our K-12 system—it is foundational in transforming the way a student thinks about the world. It not only teaches them about technology, it also teaches them how to think differently about any problem.

  • Critical Thinking
    Kids who code are problem solvers
  • Equity and Access
    Computing jobs are the #1 source of new wages in the United States
  • Citizenship
    Learning to code helps kids understand the world around them
  • Changing the World
    Coding lets kids create the world they want to see

ALL learners work in both the coding lab and robotics lab each week, thus ensuring that EVERY learner has these opportunities regardless of gender, ethnicity, or space availability.

A chart outlines the coding and robotics curriculum for Lonnie G. Heard Elementary.

These learners focus on basic coding skills such as sequence, loops, and events.

A cartoon scene features a rainbow, unicorn, sloth, and monkey in a colorful landscape.

code.org and Code Monkey

Kindergartners’ first experience with coding uses colorful blocks they can connect together to solve puzzles. Basic coding concepts such as sequence and loops are learned through puzzle solving in code.org. They then practice these skills more in depth with Code Monkey.


A small blue toy car sits on a green square card, surrounded by other colorful cards.

Indi

These small robots have light sensors on the bottom that let them follow lines. They can be coded to perform complex moves using colored marker lines or block-based coding.

Learners apply coding skills such as sequence, loops, and events in a variety of scenarios and puzzles.

A coding interface shows blocks with arrows and the text 'Move me East to get me to the pig!'

code.org

First grade learners solve puzzles on code.org. The drag-and-drop coding blocks make it easy to put together simple algorithms. Through these puzzles, learners also learn to investigate different problem-solving techniques and persist in the face of difficult tasks.


​​​​​​​Close-up of an orange electronic device on a table, with a person blurred in the background.

Edison

These simple robots give learners the opportunity to practice sequence and loops. These basic commands form the foundation of any coding language.

Learners increase their understanding of block-based coding skills to include variables, animation, and music.

A computer screen displays a coding interface with colorful blocks.

Scratch

Scratch by MIT provides learners opportunities to independently code a variety of projects that include animations, games, and music. Learners use an expanded range of code blocks that snap together to make coding simple and logical.


​​​​​​​A child's hand guides a small robot along colorful lines on paper.

Ozobots

These small robots have light sensors on the bottom that let them follow lines. They can be coded to perform complex moves using colored marker lines or block-based coding.

Third grade learners step into the world of augmented and virtual reality and work with more complex robots capable of performing harder tasks.

Children in a classroom wear VR headsets, engaged in a virtual experience.

CoSpaces

Learners use CoSpaces, Merge Cubes, and Oculus Go headsets to explore the differences between 360 video, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality. They then use these tools to create their own virtual worlds.


​​​​​​​Three small, blue and orange robots are displayed on a white background.

Dash & Dot

Learners watch their virtual coding turn into tangible learning experiences in real time as Dash, with its performance and multiple sensors, interacts with and responds to its surroundings.

In fourth grade learners move from visual code blocks to text based coding like Javascript, HTML/CSS or Python. Robots are even more complex and perform harder tasks.

Code snippets with commands like 'stage.set_background' and sprite movements are displayed.

Codesters

The Codesters platform introduces learners to the syntax and logic of Python, a powerful and popular programming language used to create a variety of applications on the web.


​​​​​​​Children and an adult gather around a small robot on a wooden floor.

Sphero

With a striking LED matrix and advanced sensors, the Sphero BOLT robot provides endless opportunities to be creative and have fun while learning.

Fifth grade learners take on more complex coding skills working with professional game making software and complex autonomous robots.

A computer screen displays a 3D modeling software interface.

Unreal Engine

Learners work with professional game making software Unreal Engine, the software used to make Fortnite. They learn world-making skills as well as basic techniques to make interactive games.


​​​​​​​Children work on a robotics project at a table, with a box of parts in the foreground.

LEGO SPIKE Prime

LEGO Spike Prime robots are the newest LEGO robot creations. After building the robot to their liking, learners code the robots to autonomously interact with the world around them through the use of a variety of sensors.

  • These learners focus on basic coding skills such as sequence, loops, and events.

    A cartoon scene features a rainbow, unicorn, sloth, and monkey in a colorful landscape.

    code.org and Code Monkey

    Kindergartners’ first experience with coding uses colorful blocks they can connect together to solve puzzles. Basic coding concepts such as sequence and loops are learned through puzzle solving in code.org. They then practice these skills more in depth with Code Monkey.


    A small blue toy car sits on a green square card, surrounded by other colorful cards.

    Indi

    These small robots have light sensors on the bottom that let them follow lines. They can be coded to perform complex moves using colored marker lines or block-based coding.

  • Learners apply coding skills such as sequence, loops, and events in a variety of scenarios and puzzles.

    A coding interface shows blocks with arrows and the text 'Move me East to get me to the pig!'

    code.org

    First grade learners solve puzzles on code.org. The drag-and-drop coding blocks make it easy to put together simple algorithms. Through these puzzles, learners also learn to investigate different problem-solving techniques and persist in the face of difficult tasks.


    ​​​​​​​Close-up of an orange electronic device on a table, with a person blurred in the background.

    Edison

    These simple robots give learners the opportunity to practice sequence and loops. These basic commands form the foundation of any coding language.

  • Learners increase their understanding of block-based coding skills to include variables, animation, and music.

    A computer screen displays a coding interface with colorful blocks.

    Scratch

    Scratch by MIT provides learners opportunities to independently code a variety of projects that include animations, games, and music. Learners use an expanded range of code blocks that snap together to make coding simple and logical.


    ​​​​​​​A child's hand guides a small robot along colorful lines on paper.

    Ozobots

    These small robots have light sensors on the bottom that let them follow lines. They can be coded to perform complex moves using colored marker lines or block-based coding.

  • Third grade learners step into the world of augmented and virtual reality and work with more complex robots capable of performing harder tasks.

    Children in a classroom wear VR headsets, engaged in a virtual experience.

    CoSpaces

    Learners use CoSpaces, Merge Cubes, and Oculus Go headsets to explore the differences between 360 video, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality. They then use these tools to create their own virtual worlds.


    ​​​​​​​Three small, blue and orange robots are displayed on a white background.

    Dash & Dot

    Learners watch their virtual coding turn into tangible learning experiences in real time as Dash, with its performance and multiple sensors, interacts with and responds to its surroundings.

  • In fourth grade learners move from visual code blocks to text based coding like Javascript, HTML/CSS or Python. Robots are even more complex and perform harder tasks.

    Code snippets with commands like 'stage.set_background' and sprite movements are displayed.

    Codesters

    The Codesters platform introduces learners to the syntax and logic of Python, a powerful and popular programming language used to create a variety of applications on the web.


    ​​​​​​​Children and an adult gather around a small robot on a wooden floor.

    Sphero

    With a striking LED matrix and advanced sensors, the Sphero BOLT robot provides endless opportunities to be creative and have fun while learning.

  • Fifth grade learners take on more complex coding skills working with professional game making software and complex autonomous robots.

    A computer screen displays a 3D modeling software interface.

    Unreal Engine

    Learners work with professional game making software Unreal Engine, the software used to make Fortnite. They learn world-making skills as well as basic techniques to make interactive games.


    ​​​​​​​Children work on a robotics project at a table, with a box of parts in the foreground.

    LEGO SPIKE Prime

    LEGO Spike Prime robots are the newest LEGO robot creations. After building the robot to their liking, learners code the robots to autonomously interact with the world around them through the use of a variety of sensors.