#Picademy in Boise, ID

The Idaho STEM Action Center helped to bring Picademy to Boise, ID. During early July, I was able to participate in the informative two-day training. I had never used Raspberry Pi before, and didn't really understand what it was or how it might be used in the classroom. I did have a little experience coding in C++ and Python. The great thing about Raspberry Pi is it can be programmed using Python or Scratch. Students in my elementary engineering class learn a little with Scratch, and there is an after school group that programs robots in Python. Raspberry Pi allows students to transfer skills we have already been learning to other applications. In addition, there numerous resources for teaching and learning how to use Raspberry Pi (https://www.raspberrypi.org/).

Curriculum available through RaspberryPi.org

The first day of the academy, we learned and explored at a quick pace. There are so many possibilities for using Raspberry Pi, and we experienced a quick overview. We also had hands-on activities to test our own skills.

Learning how to build and program lights on the bread board

On the second day, we worked on a group project based on interest, presented the final result, and graduated to certified Raspberry Pi Educator. Today I received my first order of Raspberry Pi products to get projects going in the classroom. I have collected monitors, keyboards, and mice to get things started. I can't wait to see it all coming together. I would definitely recommend applying to a Picademy https://www.raspberrypi.org/training/. Watch for updates on Raspberry Pi projects.

Bathroom checkout system

Proud to graduate!

Global Conference on Educational Robotics

It was a busy summer with professional opportunities. So busy, that it has taken almost three months to have time to share. The first two weeks of the new school year are behind me. As usual, I will be making changes based on the new information on instructional practices I have learned throughout the summer. One big change is moving my robotics instructions for fourth and fifth grade students, as well as my after school groups, towards the Junior Botball robot (https://www.juniorbotballchallenge.org/).

I have tried and used various robotics platforms during elementary engineering instruction, after school groups, and makerspace. LEGO robotics, WeDo and Mindstorms, have been the predominant robotics used. These are fantastic because they come with a variety of curriculum and are easy to start using whether experienced with robotics or not. Other robotics formats include Cubit and Edison. All of these platforms have pros and cons. The Cubit robot is a platform that allows students to see the inner components of the robot and demystifies the hardware components. Edison robots are easy to use and do not require any formal programming since the robot can scan programmed bar-codes to program the robot for specific tasks. In fact, these robots were used to hold a school-wide sumobot challenge because students of all ages could program the robots either using the bar-codes or drag and drop. In fact, all of the robots, LEGO, Cubit, and Edison, use a drag and drop programming platform. Junior Botball is the first robotics platform I have experienced that is designed for students from kindergarten through high school and requires the students to program in C++ or Python.

Junior Botball does not use a drag and drop interface but instead teaches the students a programming language. I was able to see students as young as first grade programming at the Global Conference on Educational Robotics (GCER). The competition portion of GCER (http://new.gcer.net/) had different divisions including elementary, middle school/high school, and adult. In addition to the competition, GCER held various sessions for coaches and students. The sessions included how to implement Junior Botball, programming and engineering instruction, and much more. The overall feel of GCER was that of a learning experience. This was one of the best aspects of competing in the Junior Botball division at GCER. The students worked to complete individual challenges rather than competing against another team. This approach helped to build friendships between the different teams and allow students to work towards their personal bests. So, not only were elementary students' fingers flying over the keyboards programming in C++ or Python, but participants were also placed in a low stress situation of learning that could be as competitive as students wanted. This was a refreshing experience compared to other student competitions I have participated in as a coach. I look forward to growing my Junior Botball group and school and seeing students walk away from the program with an actual programming language in their tool kit rather than just a drag and drop experience.