Category: CodeJoy - iCreate iLearn

SDG3 Design Thinking Project (Week 3)

5/13/2024

This week designers took their projects and started to bring them to life through their first prototypes based on conversations with Matt and Kelsey from CodeJoy as well as feedback from their younger partners.

The micro:bit was a featured technology in many of the designs to support Good Health and Well-Being. Check out some of the process from Flip video recordings found below.

Mini Golf Course (Hummingbird and Mentoring)

5/7/2024

7th graders learned about the Hummingbird robotics kit with servos, sensors, lights, and more to create a final mini golf course for their 3rd grade partners.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

SDG3 Design Thinking Project (Week 2)

5/6/2024

This week was refocusing on the empathy interview of a community member as well as finding research that establishes a need for the action.

With SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being, we found that many of the ideas focused on either physical or mental health.

Using the Ciena Solutions Framework, designers prepared the first section of ACT to share with either Kelsey or Matt of CodeJoy in a short zoom session with each team. With their younger partner, each design team shared their initial ideas with Matt and Kelsey in amazing conversations that pushed designers to think about other solutions as well as deeper about their own idea.

SDG3 Design Thinking Project (Wk 1)

4/26/2024

Background Insight

This is the second time that designers at SOMS have engaged in a Design Thinking project focused on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Using the Ciena Solutions Challenge framework, this time the group will be focusing on SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being.

We started with CodeJoy Robot Aerobics and a fantastic virtual show to launch this project.

Ciena Solutions Challenge

Our designers were selected for their work in the SDGs by the Ciena Solutions Challenge Grant which will help designers to continue to pursue their design ideas and mentor our younger designers from Stoner Prairie.

Engaging in Understanding

What are actions that you can take to help achieve the Global Goals? How can technology play a part in your plan.

Next Steps

Designers will engage in an empathy interview to ground their design work in a real world community need.

CodeJoy Robot Aerobics (SDG 3)

4/19/2024

Designers are starting their Design Thinking Project with learning about the Sustainable Global Goals this week and the launch of the project with CodeJoy Robot Aerobics.

Using the Sustainable Global Goals game, designers played and learned. At the end of the game, designers shared their opinion and 3 important facts that they learned while playing the game.

Today with our mentor buddies, designers experienced a CodeJoy show Robots Aerobics which was made possible through a Donor's Choose project funded by the late Senator Herb Kohl's foundation.

CodeJoy is aptly named because it brings so much joy to students to hear their ideas being shared on the show. Even the most quiet student smiles when they hear their named said by Kelsey or Matt.

CodeJoy - Romeo Virtual Field Trip

2/19/2024

Any chance that I get to have my designers participate in a virtual field trip with CodeJoy, I take. Each session has been different but inspiring for both me and my designers. I love the thought behind the learning activities and the simple materials that we can replicate in our classroom with our Micro:bits.

Mini Golf Reimagined and Debut

10/29/2023

Our designers debuted their designs with their mentor partners this Friday.

This week designers took their starter projects to the next level and the results were beyond any expectations.

Thank you to CodeJoy for the inspiration and starter project as well as the Infosys Pathfinder Summer PD for providing me the opportunity to learn and connect with educators to learn more about creative robotics.

Week 1 Blog Post Link

During Week 1, designers co-created a windmill starter project. At the beginning of week 2, designers used Flip to view other designs and give feedback and suggestions to other designers of what they might change or add to their designs.

Using several days of designing interlaced with tutorial videos to expand coding options, the goal was to give teams a chance to really reimagine their initial design so that we would not have a mini golf course full of only windmills.

Micro:Bit Light Sensor Edpuzzle

Micro:Bit Radio Edpuzzle

Designer Reflections

Best Iteration Flip Student Designs

Windmill Iteration 1 (Servos, Bit:explorers, and Micro:bits)

10/20/2023

Using Codejoy's Robot Mini Golf lesson as the starting point for our next creative robotics project, designers worked in teams to create their first iteration.

First Iterations

Student Reflections

This design challenge was exciting to see how engaged and creative the designers can be when given a simple starter project like the windmill.

This coming week, teams will be challenged to create an integrated mini golf course that embraces the spooky season.

One idea is using LED ping-pong balls instead of golf balls. I can't wait to see what they will create.

CodeJoy Make-A-Thon

8/24/2023

Micro:Bit Monster Project (Iteration 2)

8/23/2023

This project was inspired by the CodeJoy activities. The first iteration that I shared was based on the Project Trix Virtual Pet activity - blog post Monsters in STEM. In the first iteration, you will find the story How I Met My Monster as well as examples and svg files for creating your own cardboard monsters.

The second iteration I am sharing is from the CodeJoy PD with Python and is based on the Homework: Make a Friend.

My Design Process

My design process in a nut shell.

L - Look, Listen, Learn
I started by looking at the criteria and my own material constraints. I knew that I wanted to use this project in my classroom so first I looked at what I was already doing.

A - Ask Questions
Where could this enhance learning that was already taking place?
What story would it already connect to?
What materials did I have access to that my students would also have access to?
How much time did I have?

U - Understand the Problem or Process
I looked at what I was already doing and decided to improve my How I Met My Monster STEM story learning. I remembered that Kelsey introduced gestures and the accelerometer of the Micro:bit so I knew that I wanted to break up the lesson with specific focuses. I gathered the resources that I had available that could also be used in my classroom.

N - Navigate Ideas
I love the color orange and I wanted my monster to be an active monster so I decided on creating an exercise monster with my Glowforge cardboard cut monster. I started with decorating my monster with the materials that I had.

C - Create a Prototype
When I had my physical monster designed, I started to work on the coding. For my project, my challenge was to code it in Python. I used the sample code to start and then adapted it to fit what I wanted my own design to do. I downloaded the code, tested it, and then modified it.

H - Highlight and Fix
Given more time, I would have adapted my code to only be the mouth and removed the eyes from the visual.

exercise_monster.hex
File Size:	1881 kb
File Type:	hex

Monster Lesson Update

Day 1:
With my students, I will start with the Design Thinking Story of How I Met My Monster through an Edpuzzle. I choose Edpuzzles because I want students to be able to have the time to listen to a story and respond to comprehension questions about the story.

I have found for my second language learners Edpuzzle are a powerful tool that removes the stress and distractions of watching a video as a whole group. It also gives me an opportunity to learn more about how each designer responds to the questions.

After listening to the story, designers will select their cardboard monster and start to use different materials to design their physical monster.

Day 2:
I introduce the accelerometer of the Micro:bit and designers engage in designing different gestures.

Designers also have additional time to work on their physical monster after having programmed different gestures.

Day 3:
Creating the Micro: Bit Virtual Monster is the culmination of learning about gestures using the Micro: bit accelerometer with the physical monster.

I introduce the criteria for the final project. I share sample code that designers might choose to start with as well as examples from previous designers.

Designers have time to bring their first iteration together and record it on Flip to share with each other.

Day 4:
I have always found that some designers need additional work time. It is this day where Flip becomes an important part of our sharing process.

For the designers who have completed their virtual monster, they are able to access everyone's design and leave constructive positive comments.

CodeJoy Python with Micro:bit (Session C)

8/18/2023

This is Part 3 in a series of blog posts about the CodeJoy Python with Micro:bit course sponsored by Infosys Foundation through Pathfinders PD for teachers.

Part 1: codejoy-python-with-microbit-infosys-2023.html
Part 2: codejoy-python-with-microbit-session-b.html

Starry Night

Starry Night is a fantastic adaptation of the Project Trix Curriculum with a focus on introducing the light sensor of the Micro:bit. The key concepts of this activity are light level, conditionals, and creating an image by using the light sensor to create a starry night when the lights go out.

Sensor Data Logging

Of all of the things that the V2 micro:bit can do, I am most excited about the data logging projects.

Using the different sensors built in to the micro:bit, you are able to capture different data over time and upload it into either the micro:bit data log on the micro:bit website or use a data visualization tool like Codap.

We used the micro:bit data logging to find measure temperature, sound, and light in our environment. One thing that was important is the reminder that the temperature sensor is on the back of the micro:bit so if you are holding it in your hand, it could be reading your temperature instead of what you are hoping to be measuring.

Radio Basics

In radio basics, we learned about the radio, nested conditionals, and the accelerometer. I plan to explore this feature even more with my students in our first instructional unit focused on games.

If you get the opportunity to learn with the CodeJoy team, I hope that you will agree with me that it is life-changing PD. The caliber of the PD keeps me engaged, excited, and energized to use with my own designers. I continue to learn both about the micro:bit but also effective ways to bring computational thinking as well as creative computing into my classroom.

CodeJoy Python with Micro:bit (Session B)

8/17/2023

So I thought that I could capture all three days in one blog post but realistically that would be an overwhelming read so this is Part 2 of three blog posts. If you missed Part 1, here is the link - https://icreateilearn.weebly.com/designing-6-8/codejoy-python-with-microbit-infosys-2023

Pictionary

Our next Python programming challenge was to integrate the LED display to create three images that were triggered by the buttons and logo. I loved this activity because it was a fun way to incorporate diversity of design into a programming and game format.

During this activity, we also learned about Logic Trees and how to use this visual to help designers understand what they are programming.

Scavenger Hunt

In Scavenger Hunt, we practiced iterations of coding with a focus on variables, using comments, and conditionals.

I liked this activity because it really promoted the portability of the Micro:bit as well as encouraged the creator to get up and move around to use the program.

Dice

With the dice activity, we focused on the key concepts of using the import library, accelerometer, and randomness.

The code of when you shake the micro:bit it will show a random number within a range was used to play Roll a Robot Art Activity.

I appreciated the gratification of the coding leading to something artistic.

Pseudo Compass

I enjoyed using the gestures with the accelerometer to also create a pseudo compass. More to come in Part 3 about how I will use this with radio communication for a future activity that Kelsey and Amanda Jean modeled for us on Day 3.

Homework: Make a Friend

I am going to dedicate a separate post to this project because I am revamping a previous lesson that I used this project to better reflect the iteration that I plan to use in the classroom. More to come....

CodeJoy Python with Micro:Bit (Infosys 2023)

8/16/2023

I want to start this blog post by saying "Thank You" to Infosys Pathfinders for providing this learning opportunity and to the CodeJoy team of Kelsey, Matt, Amanda Jean, Mike, and Susan. I am truly appreciative of the three days of learning that provided me the bridge to using Python with the Micro:Bit in my classroom.

I sit here two weeks before the school year officially starts surrounded by my Micro:Bits trying to process last week's learning. Two years ago, I knew only Code.org as a way to access computer science for my learners. Last summer I stumbled on CodeJoy as part of the Pathfinder's Summer PD learning for teachers. I know this sounds cliche but my life has never quite been the same.

This summer I spent many hours with the CodeJoy team learning new ideas and revisiting last year's learnings to strengthen my own teaching.

Python with BBC Micro:bit Overview

Realistically there is no way to capture the impact of the 9 hours of learning that took place. I am going to only share the highlights of my own personal learning journey.

Text based language coding is not my comfort area. Personally I will avoid it if possible. Many of my students talk about wanting to learn Python and I always steer them to other resources but have chosen to avoid learning it until this summer. When I say "learn it", everyone who learns anything knows that it is a journey into realizing that part of the journey is just getting started and pushing through your own personal barriers. I will continue to "learn" Python with my designers this school year but now I am not the barrier.

Session A Highlights

Learning about the Python Editor with Kelsey's introduction was the first step for me to realizing that this is a powerful tool that has been designed to make Python accessible through a well developed reference library that provides a starting point to the world of Python. The autofill feature as well as the drag and drop text based coding starts removed so many of the barriers that I already had with text-based coding.

Animation: Making a GIF

My favorite part of Session A was making a looping GIF.

Mike shared a resource that he developed to create Python custom images and generate the code - https://codepen.io/mcotterman/full/BaGMJeN

Partner Name Tag Design Challenge

Session A ended with a design challenge that I quickly replicated for the first week of my technology class. I design my Introduction to Technology course for 6th grade around a STEM structure.

The Partner Name Challenge was a perfect integration into the first week. Though I won't be using Python because our class is iPad based on the Micro:Bit app is easier to start with block based coding, the project is a perfect fit.

CodeJoy Make A Thon 1 (Highlights)

8/2/2023

Okay, I don't think I have ever masked how much I really appreciate the CodeJoy team and the world of creative robotics that they have opened up for me. Yeah, I would say any time that I can hang with them, I am there.

I am always learning something new. Kelsey makes me laugh with her humor and dynamic approach to teaching. Matt's seamless integration of the behind the scenes as well as tips and tricks always help me to push myself as a designer and a learner.

So this summer the team, which has now grown to 5 amazing individuals, is offering 3 free all day virtual making and learning opportunities called Make A Thons. I was fortunate enough to participate in most of the first Make A Thon and am looking forward to this Friday.

Morning Session

So the morning session was super cool because we got to meet the other members behind the scenes and learn about each of them.

Of course, I was hoping to learn more about Kelsey and Matt too. Mike gave us a tour of the new location that is an old school house. It was super cool to learn more about how CodeJoy started and continues to grow in so many different ways.

Evening Session

What I most appreciate about the Make A Thon is the flexible schedule and breakout rooms. I jumped into some of the other sessions but wasn't able to stay. Knowing the schedule, I could decide what was my best fit during the 12 hours.

I knew that I wanted to learn more with Rudy Escobar so I set a reminder on my phone. Rudy is an amazing educator in the field of STEM and Computer Science and following him on twitter, I wanted the opportunity to learn more.

It didn't take long for me to understand why Rudy is so loved in the educational field. His positive approach to learning and sharing makes you feel immediately at ease. I knew that he was pretty amazing based on twitter chatter but I finally was able to experience this first hand.

In the interview, he shared his journey to what is currently doing and some of the projects he is working on. His focus on leveraging the Micro:Bit as an equitable and accessible tool really resonated with me. He gave fantastic examples of different projects that he has done with teachers and designers.

I loved his candor and honesty that even he gets nervous when presenting. I couldn't wait for the breakout room where I could learn even more in a smaller group with Rudy.

Breakout Group

The breakout room was magical because for me it gave me a chance to ask questions and not feel like I was disrupting a presentation. Rudy had shared about different data logging projects as well as a data graphing resource that he uses called Codap. I really wanted to learn how to start to use our Micro:Bits even more with data logging projects. In 15 minutes, he shared step by step how to create the code in MakeCode (modeling it) as well as how to upload the data and manipulate it in Codap.

I was able to ask questions, learn how to convert temperatures using a function, how to download a data logging project to my Micro:Bit, upload the data to Codap, and manipulate the data. Rudy showed me the importance of live coding when doing a project with students as well as shared other resources to leverage the Micro:Bit and other robotic components like Breakout boards, weather:bit, and DFrobot for even more expansion ideas.

Additional Resources

Click on the above images to access the resources.

To Be a Drum (Hummingbird Little Drummer)

7/11/2023

This lesson is based on the Infosys Pathfinders CodeJoy Hummingbird PD Day 1. Students will already know how to program an LED as well as a servo prior to this activity.

Design Thinking Story

I love using stories to introduce a project because stories are such an essential part of our culture.

Design Thinking Project: Tiny Drummer

Objective: Using the story To Be a Drum, find a song that moves you and can be animated with a tiny drummer. Use the design process to create and code your tiny drummer to the beat of the song that you have selected.

Resources:
Video Tutorial
Troubleshooting
Coding Cards

Day 1: Example of Planning

PDF version of the Hummingbird Robotics Design Notebook

Day 2: Physical Construction (Plan and Create)

Day 3: Coding Your Robot (Plan and Create)

Day 4: Tiny Drummer Version 1 (Improve)