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
Equity and Access
Citizenship
Changing the World
Scope & Sequence
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.
Kindergarten
These learners focus on basic coding skills such as sequence, loops, and events.
Codeai and Code Monkey
Kindergartners learn sequence and loops through colorful block puzzles on Code.org, then deepen these coding skills using Code Monkey.
Indi
Students drive Indi using color tiles to solve mazes, learning sequencing, computational thinking, and screenless coding basics.
1st Grade
Learners apply coding skills such as sequence, loops, and events in a variety of scenarios and puzzles.
Codeai and Scratch Jr
First graders practice sequence, loops, and events with Codeai.org and then build interactive stories, animations, and games with Scratch Jr.
Vex 123
Students program VEX 123 via touch, cards, or blocks to navigate and sense obstacles, learning sequencing, algorithms, and debugging.
2nd Grade
Learners increase their understanding of block-based coding skills to include variables, animation, and music.
Scratch
Using Scratch, learners independently create games, animations, and music using simple, logical snap-together code blocks.
Ari Ozobot
These line-following robots use bottom light sensors and color-coded marker paths to perform complex programmed movements.
3rd Grade
Third grade learners step into the world of augmented and virtual reality and work with more complex robots capable of performing harder tasks.
360-degree video, VR, AR
Learners explore 360 video, AR, and VR using Delightex, Merge Cubes, and Meta Quest headsets, then build their own virtual worlds.
Vex GO
Students build plastic robots with motorized components and code them using VEXcode GO to learn engineering, sensors, loops, and spatial reasoning.
4th Grade
In fourth grade learners move from visual code blocks to text based coding like HTML/CSS or Python. Robots are even more complex and can perform autonomous tasks.
Learning.com
Learning.com teaches Python syntax and logic using an accessible platform to help learners build real-world web applications.
LEGO SPIKE Prime
Learners build custom LEGO Spike Prime robots and code them to autonomously interact with their environment using a variety of sensors.
5th Grade
Fifth grade learners take on more complex coding skills working with professional game making software and complex autonomous robots.
Unreal Engine
Learners build worlds and interactive games using Unreal Engine, the professional software behind Fortnite and other famous video games.
Sphero Bolt+
With a striking LED matrix and advanced sensors, the Sphero BOLT robot provides endless opportunities to be creative and have fun while learning.