While coding and programming have become hot topics in educational discussions for some time now, computational thinking is really at the heart of what coding and programming are all about. By leveraging the critical thinking and problem solving required to program robots to carry out specific tasks, teachers can foster computational thinking habits in their students. This session will focus on leveraging computational thinking to bring mathematics instruction alive through the use of two different programmable devices aimed at Primary students. Participants will learn how to code their robots to carry out different tasks that incorporate mathematical knowledge while simultaneously developing and acquiring their own programming knowledge and skillset.
What you will learn from this session:
How to program a robot
How to incorporate computational thinking and programming into mathematics instruction
How to foster critical thinking and problem solving in their students
How to structure a lesson or unit to incorporate programming and computational thinking through the use of robotics
How to take over the world!
What you need to bring with you to attend this session: iPad only with selected apps (See Padlet for more information - https://padlet.com/nicifoote/Compthink)
Level of prior knowledge required to attend this session: This workshop would be most beneficial for those new to programming and robotics at the Primary (elementary) level. No prior knowledge of robotics and programming is necessary for participants in this workshop.
This extended session is relevant to teachers teaching the following age groups: 5-7 year olds and 7-11 year olds
