#csk8 Archive

This chat includes a discussion of topics of interest to K-8 teachers who teach and/or integrate computer science.The Computer Science Teachers Association is a membership organization that supports and promotes the teaching of computer science and other computing disciplines. CSTA provides opportunities for K–12 teachers and students to better understand the computing disciplines and to more successfully prepare themselves to teach and learn.

Wednesday March 7, 2018
8:00 PM EST

  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:00 PM EST
    Welcome to tonight’s #csk8 chat! Tonight’s topic is CS Unplugged for 5-14 year olds with @visionsbyvicky & our guest moderator @Agatorbites
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:00 PM EST
    Join on Twitter OR try https://t.co/aksokjcpTb where the hashtag is automatically added. #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:00 PM EST
    Don’t forget to include the hashtag #csk8 on all tweets during the chat so that everyone participating in the chat sees your posts.
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:01 PM EST
    #csk8 is a structured chat so questions are numbered Q1 for Question 1, Q2 for Question 2, etc. & answers should start with A1 for the answer to Q1, A2 to answer Q2, etc.
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:01 PM EST
    Before we get started with tonight’s topic questions, let’s introduce ourselves. Who are you and how are your connected to CS education for 5-14 year olds? #csk8
  • bigtechcoach Mar 7 @ 8:02 PM EST
    Keith George, Alabama Department of Education, Working with teachers to provide #CSforAll @teachcode #AMSTIworks #csk8
  • MckennaJ72 Mar 7 @ 8:03 PM EST
    #csk8 Jason McKenna, Director of Educational Strategy @Robomatter We develop CS and Robotics curriculum for K-12 students all over the world.
  • billmarsland Mar 7 @ 8:03 PM EST
    Bill Marsland, working with 30+ elementary schools implementing CS in San Francisco Unified #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:03 PM EST
    Welcome, Keith. Glad you could join us tonight. #csk8
    In reply to @bigtechcoach, @TeachCode
  • alfredtwo Mar 7 @ 8:03 PM EST
    Alfred Thompson HS CS teacher and #CSforAll activist. Mostly watching tonight. #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:03 PM EST
    yeah, Bill's here! #csk8
    In reply to @billmarsland
  • jonmattingly Mar 7 @ 8:03 PM EST
    Jon from Kodable here! #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Glad you could join us, Jason. Are you in Austin? #csk8
    In reply to @MckennaJ72, @Robomatter
  • Todd_Lash - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Hi everyone Todd here. Computer Science researcher for the French Foreign Legion. #csk8
  • billmarsland Mar 7 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Finally! I need to adjust our monthly PLC meetings so they don't interfere with #CSk8 chats!
    In reply to @VisionsByVicky
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:05 PM EST
    Welcome! to the chat! #csk8
    In reply to @MckennaJ72, @Robomatter
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:05 PM EST
    Welcome, Alfred. Glad you're with us tonight. #csk8
    In reply to @alfredtwo
  • Sheena1010 - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:05 PM EST
    I am Sheena, a K-8 CS teacher in California for 8+ years. #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:05 PM EST
    Glad you're here tonight, Sheena! #csk8
    In reply to @Sheena1010
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Welcome, everyone. I'm a K-8 Technology Teacher in the Los Angeles area and a K-8 rep on the CSTA board. #csk8
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Hi all! I'm Alexis, 2nd-5th Grade CompSci/Edtech Specialist @PineCrestSch in Sunny South Florida. Thanks everyone for joining us tonight. #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:06 PM EST
    Alexis is great. If you don't follow here, you should. #csk8
    • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:06 PM EST
      Hi all! I'm Alexis, 2nd-5th Grade CompSci/Edtech Specialist @PineCrestSch in Sunny South Florida. Thanks everyone for joining us tonight. #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:07 PM EST
    Be watching for our first question of the night coming up in one minute from @Agatorbites #csk8
  • Todd_Lash - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:07 PM EST
    New gig! #csk8
    In reply to @billmarsland
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:08 PM EST
    Q1: How can unplugged activities help us to teach computer science and meet CSTA or State CS Standards? #csk8
  • djsardine Mar 7 @ 8:08 PM EST
    Hey #csk8 I teach technology, whatever that means, to K-6 kids in LA independent school
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:09 PM EST
    Hey, me too. :) What school are you at? #csk8
    In reply to @djsardine
  • djsardine Mar 7 @ 8:10 PM EST
    Today it meant programming loops and lots and lots of cardboard #csk8
  • bigtechcoach Mar 7 @ 8:11 PM EST
    A1: Many skills and concepts can be easily explained without tech, allows for differentiation and expands our reach in instances of low/no tech. #csk8 #AMSTIworks @TeachCode #CSforAll
    • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:08 PM EST
      Q1: How can unplugged activities help us to teach computer science and meet CSTA or State CS Standards? #csk8
  • MckennaJ72 Mar 7 @ 8:11 PM EST
    #csk8 A1 I think unplugged activities are a great way to combat cognitive load, especially for younger Ss. You are not worried if the student can use the mouse, keyboard, etc. while trying to teach a basic skill, like sequencing. You can focus just on the skill itself.
  • Sheena1010 - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:11 PM EST
    A1: Unplugged activities make abstract ideas in CS more real - great way to explain a concept before students get to the computer. Also works well with teachers in my CS PD program #csk8
  • jonmattingly Mar 7 @ 8:11 PM EST
    A1: “Unplugged” activities help reinforce the thought processes behind coding, not just the actual act of writing code. In a lot of ways they can be *more* important than what is done in front of a computer - since you’re learning how to think. #csk8
  • CindyGo75 Mar 7 @ 8:11 PM EST
    Hi. I am a tech teacher for K-3 in Miami, Florida. #csk8
  • Todd_Lash - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:12 PM EST
    Unplugged activities are a great way to intro new concepts in a concrete fashion, which is great for struggling learners. It falls nicely within the math tradition of the concrete-representational-abstract sequence of instruction. #csk8
  • MckennaJ72 Mar 7 @ 8:12 PM EST
    Reaching Ss in low or no tech environments is very important. Great point. #csk8
    In reply to @bigtechcoach, @TeachCode
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:12 PM EST
    A1: For some CS concepts, it's difficult to teach them other than unplugged. Most schools don't want students building or modifying their networks, for example. #csk8
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:13 PM EST
    I totally agree! What is one skill or concept you like highlighting with an unplugged lesson? #csk8
    In reply to @bigtechcoach, @TeachCode
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:13 PM EST
    Welcome, Cindy. We're on Q1: How can unplugged activities help us to teach computer science and meet CSTA or State CS Standards? #csk8
    In reply to @CindyGo75
  • billmarsland Mar 7 @ 8:13 PM EST
    A1: Unplugged activities are also a great way to "feel" or "experience" a CS concept like sequences, loops, or conditionals, before having to write a program with them accurately. #csk8
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:13 PM EST
    Hi Cindy! We're close by- Thanks for joining tonight. #csk8
    In reply to @CindyGo75
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:14 PM EST
    For sure reaching those with low or no tech is a great benefit of unplugged. Also, great when the power or Internet goes out! :) #csk8
    In reply to @bigtechcoach, @TeachCode
  • alfredtwo Mar 7 @ 8:14 PM EST
    A1: I find that some unplugged activities make it easier for students to work in groups. #csk8
  • bigtechcoach Mar 7 @ 8:14 PM EST
    Introducing sequencing with the Littles #csk8
    • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:13 PM EST
      I totally agree! What is one skill or concept you like highlighting with an unplugged lesson? #csk8
      In reply to @bigtechcoach, @TeachCode
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:15 PM EST
    YES! Strive to bring it into the real world! #csk8
    • Sheena1010 - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:11 PM EST
      A1: Unplugged activities make abstract ideas in CS more real - great way to explain a concept before students get to the computer. Also works well with teachers in my CS PD program #csk8
  • jonmattingly Mar 7 @ 8:15 PM EST
    A1 cont’d: and from a wider teaching perspective, lessons heavy on unplugged activities reinforce the idea that computational thinking is what we’re teaching (applicable everywhere in life), NOT how to type commands into a computer. Especially in the younger grades #csk8
  • LaurieAnastasio Mar 7 @ 8:15 PM EST
    I'm Laurie and teach 2nd grade and am the Lead Tech for my site. I also lead a leadership team of students who support teachers and peers. #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:15 PM EST
    I also find they make great reminders when Ss run into problems when coding ... "remember when you wrote that loop to make a dance". #csk8
    In reply to @billmarsland
  • alfredtwo Mar 7 @ 8:15 PM EST
    A1: there is something special about moving atoms that is different from moving invisible bits. Kids relate to things they can touch and that relate to the physical work they understand. Like sorting cards. #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:15 PM EST
    Welcome, Laurie. We're on Q1: How can unplugged activities help us to teach computer science and meet CSTA or State CS Standards? #csk8
    In reply to @LaurieAnastasio
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:16 PM EST
    Agreed! #csk8
    In reply to @jonmattingly
  • Todd_Lash - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:16 PM EST
    Say more Alfred. You mean that the activities themselves help with group work due to their structure? Examples? #csk8
    In reply to @alfredtwo
  • billmarsland Mar 7 @ 8:16 PM EST
    Exactly! It's much easier to remember the fun dance loop as opposed to the red spaceship's program that used a loop compared to the blue spaceship's program that didn't, even though they both moved the same way... That can be confusing! #csk8
    In reply to @VisionsByVicky
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:16 PM EST
    100% agree. Any opportunity for collaboration is always a good thing! #csk8
    In reply to @alfredtwo
  • alfredtwo Mar 7 @ 8:16 PM EST
    A1: Sorting is my favorite concept to teach unplugged before even thinking about code solutions. #csk8
  • djsardine Mar 7 @ 8:17 PM EST
    You don't need a screen to design algorithms #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:17 PM EST
    What are your favorites to use in CS PD? #csk8
    In reply to @Sheena1010
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:17 PM EST
    Hi Laurie! Welcome! #csk8
    In reply to @LaurieAnastasio
  • CindyGo75 Mar 7 @ 8:17 PM EST
    I think unplugged activities help the little ones gain a better understanding before using a robot. #csk8
  • techteacher Mar 7 @ 8:17 PM EST
    A1: I like that unplugged activities are so concrete. When teaching math, taught concrete, representational, abstract - good progression #csk8
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:18 PM EST
    Q2: How do you scaffold unplugged activities to differentiate for students based on age/ability/experience? #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:18 PM EST
    No, you don't and students can conceptualize harder algorithms than they can actually program. #csk8
    In reply to @djsardine
  • Sheena1010 - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:18 PM EST
    A1: Unplugged activities brings out the kid in us - playing with cards, blocks, walking out an algorithm is play - play that helps you learn #csk8
  • Todd_Lash - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:18 PM EST
    So you dance right? I expect a live performance this summer! #csk8 https://t.co/Mn52lUW2Bs
    In reply to @alfredtwo
  • techteacher Mar 7 @ 8:18 PM EST
    A1: Now https://t.co/bQaQWjhcw9 courses A-F have unplugged (concrete), bridging (representational), & plugged (abstract) sequences all over. #csk8
  • alfredtwo Mar 7 @ 8:19 PM EST
    WHen I teach sorting I use decks of cards. First someone sorts alone. Next I let groups of sstudents sort decks. Instant paralell processing. Great discussions about why 4 times the people is faster but not 4 times faster #csk8
    In reply to @Todd_Lash
  • GTandCS Mar 7 @ 8:19 PM EST
    A2: I think it's important to avoid "feature creep" on unplugged activities. Figure out the core ideas you're highlighting and make sure the rest of the activity isn't actually getting in the way #csk8
  • Sheena1010 - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:20 PM EST
    In my KCI CS course, we had teachers walk through a complex flowchart and fill in variable envelopes with values - great way to collaborate and execute an algorithm. #csk8
    In reply to @VisionsByVicky
  • techteacher Mar 7 @ 8:20 PM EST
    #csk8 agreed. With little ones, it just seems more developmentally appropriate to start unplugged.
    In reply to @alfredtwo
  • MckennaJ72 Mar 7 @ 8:20 PM EST
    Very cool #csk8
    In reply to @alfredtwo, @Todd_Lash
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:21 PM EST
    Can you give us an example? #csk8
    In reply to @GTandCS
  • techteacher Mar 7 @ 8:21 PM EST
    #csk8 Also if done well the unplugged activity can activate prior knowledge and promote transfer to other content areas.
    In reply to @Sheena1010
  • CindyGo75 Mar 7 @ 8:21 PM EST
    This is the first year we are using @codeorg lessons and we are really enjoying how they are organized. #csk8
    In reply to @techteacher, @codeorg
  • bigtechcoach Mar 7 @ 8:22 PM EST
    A2: Most unplugged activities are pretty easy to scaffold. @codeorg's My Robotic Friends can be more or less challenging by simply changing number of cups or random cup positions for example. #csk8 @teachcode #csforAll #AMSTIworks
    • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:18 PM EST
      Q2: How do you scaffold unplugged activities to differentiate for students based on age/ability/experience? #csk8
  • GTandCS Mar 7 @ 8:22 PM EST
    So I think my point is if you're primarily scaffolding context, not content, perhaps you need to consider a new activity. #csk8
  • MckennaJ72 Mar 7 @ 8:22 PM EST
    #csk8 Q2 I think the unplugged activities can mirror your curriculum progression. Younger students can learn simple inputs and outputs, while older students can explore more complex algorithms via unplugged activities.
  • billmarsland Mar 7 @ 8:23 PM EST
    A2: We don't scaffold activities as much as having a wide variety of unplugged activities that teach/review the same concepts. For events, K-2 students use the @hellorubyworld universal remote, 3-5 students the @teachcode Big Event lesson (with 5 buttons, not just 3) #csk8
  • Sheena1010 - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:24 PM EST
    Yes, I also use unplugged with sorting algorithms, and have students demonstrate their understanding with numbered paper cups #csk8
    In reply to @alfredtwo
  • jonmattingly Mar 7 @ 8:25 PM EST
    Q2: Introduce content into an open-ended activity applicable to what that grade is learning. I.e. programming a robot - Ks learning sequence just tell it to move. 1st graders learning conditions tell it to move if a condition is met, and so on #csk8
  • jonmattingly Mar 7 @ 8:25 PM EST
    A2: Introduce content into an open-ended activity applicable to what that grade is learning. I.e. programming a robot - Ks learning sequence just tell it to move. 1st graders learning conditions tell it to move if a condition is met, and so on #csk8
  • CindyGo75 Mar 7 @ 8:26 PM EST
    Never heard of hello ruby world. Will have to check that out. #csk8
    In reply to @billmarsland, @hellorubyworld, @TeachCode
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:26 PM EST
    I'm curious the reason behind not scaffolding? Is that a choice or a happen-stance? #csk8
    In reply to @billmarsland, @hellorubyworld, @TeachCode
  • techteacher Mar 7 @ 8:27 PM EST
    A2: I like gradual release of responsibility (I do, we do, you do) and pair work #csk8
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:28 PM EST
    Q3: What are the benefits of using unplugged activities to teach computer science concepts to 5-14 year olds? #csk8
  • CSwhitekh Mar 7 @ 8:28 PM EST
    A1: Broadcasting UP- @janewaite (UK) mentioned using a parachute in PE to reinforce how broadcasting works. We used the following activity in our last PD with NYC schools on broadcasting #csk8
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:28 PM EST
    you MUST check out @hellorubyworld -- so MANY unplugged activities and it will inspire you to create more! #csk8
    In reply to @CindyGo75, @billmarsland, @hellorubyworld, @TeachCode, @hellorubyworld
  • bigtechcoach Mar 7 @ 8:29 PM EST
    Isn't "(with 5 buttons, not just 3)" scaffolding? Not a criticism, but it seems you are scaffolding, likely because you know your students. #csk8
    In reply to @billmarsland, @hellorubyworld, @TeachCode
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:29 PM EST
    Ah but using 5 buttons rather than 3 is scaffolding somewhat, isn't it? :) #csk8
    In reply to @billmarsland, @hellorubyworld, @TeachCode
  • jonmattingly Mar 7 @ 8:29 PM EST
    A3: Learning the same concept from multiple directions is almost always a good idea. Showing Ss how the concepts they are seeing on a screen can be *real* is a transformative experience #csk8
    In reply to @Agatorbites
  • billmarsland Mar 7 @ 8:29 PM EST
    Definitely check it out: https://t.co/3JdGC9jxfR for the website, https://t.co/ktBg2W2FJJ to see some lessons we've created to go with the book #csk8
    In reply to @CindyGo75, @hellorubyworld
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:30 PM EST
    A parachute? How does that work? #csk8
    In reply to @CSwhitekh, @janewaite
  • Sheena1010 - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:30 PM EST
    A3: Unplugged activities help make abstract ideas concrete, introduces an element of play, connects concepts to something they see outside of CS, nice change from a coding CS class #csk8
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:31 PM EST
    A2: I learned a variation of Rosie's Runtime from @BTwarek this summer- in 2G Ss play game as is in 3G Ss add loops to their program to get Rosie to the doghouse. Scaffolding to take same basics and build upon skills! #csk8
  • MckennaJ72 Mar 7 @ 8:31 PM EST
    #csk8 A3 Unplugged Activities can be used as a type of pseudocode. It can force Ss to think and analyze a concept/algorithm since students normally immediately begin programming and attempt to "guess and check" there way to a solution.
  • Todd_Lash - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:31 PM EST
    Certainly controlled choice is a form of scaffolding or can be. It can also be restricting in a negative way...If you are interested in using controlled choice projects and haven't seen it, Scratch Microworlds (not unplugged) is interesting. #csk8
    In reply to @bigtechcoach, @billmarsland, @hellorubyworld, @TeachCode
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:31 PM EST
    Yes, it can be fun to do something different. I have some classes that don't like it when they're not on a device though. #csk8
    In reply to @Sheena1010
  • MckennaJ72 Mar 7 @ 8:32 PM EST
    Terrific, thanks for the tip. #csk8
    In reply to @Agatorbites, @CindyGo75, @billmarsland, @hellorubyworld, @TeachCode
  • jonmattingly Mar 7 @ 8:33 PM EST
    The other issue with scaffolding projects is that they get repetitive. Ss probably don’t want to do the same program-the-robot exercise they did before. Hard to make them unique. Agree they can be restrictive in a lot of cases #csk8
    In reply to @Todd_Lash, @bigtechcoach, @billmarsland, @hellorubyworld, @TeachCode
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:34 PM EST
    A3: I think it is important to model for Ss that CS & CT extends beyond a device. #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:34 PM EST
    A3: Unplugged can be a way of reaching those kids who need to see a concept in another way. It provides another way for them to understand. #csk8
  • bigtechcoach Mar 7 @ 8:34 PM EST
    Of course, scaffolding just like anything can be positive or negative! #csk8
    In reply to @Todd_Lash, @billmarsland, @hellorubyworld, @TeachCode
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:35 PM EST
    I can't speak for others, but what I mean by scaffolding is building upon prior knowledge and skills. Not necessarily doing the same activity multiple times. #csk8
    In reply to @jonmattingly, @Todd_Lash, @bigtechcoach, @billmarsland, @hellorubyworld, @TeachCode
  • Todd_Lash - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:35 PM EST
    A3: Unplugged activities give students a different context to interact with an idea. Because they often include movement or manipulatives they are great S's for that benefit from movement and activity. #csk8
  • alfredtwo Mar 7 @ 8:36 PM EST
    I've had students who also think that learning about computers should always involve using one. Important to make unplugged activities more interesting for them aside from the idea of learning #csk8
    In reply to @VisionsByVicky, @Sheena1010
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:36 PM EST
    A3: Unplugged is great when the power's out. Had that happen once this year. No power does not mean no learning in a CS class! :) #csk8
  • techteacher Mar 7 @ 8:36 PM EST
    A1: Although robotics is not unplugged, it can bring a "concrete" aspect to teaching a CS/CT concept. Ss see the outcome of their "code" #csk8
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:36 PM EST
    YES! Simple and effective way to get the point across! #csk8
    In reply to @bigtechcoach
  • MckennaJ72 Mar 7 @ 8:36 PM EST
    Also an effective way to combat the fears that some may have over "screen time" #csk8
    In reply to @Todd_Lash
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:37 PM EST
    Most of my students enjoy the unplugged activities. #csk8
    In reply to @alfredtwo, @Sheena1010
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:37 PM EST
    Our next question is coming up in less than a minute. Watch for it! #csk8
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:38 PM EST
    Q4: What are the challenges of using unplugged activities to teach computer science concepts to 5-14 year olds? #csk8
  • Todd_Lash - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:38 PM EST
    If they only changed the fact that once kids save it reverts to the regular Scratch interface...#csk8
    In reply to @billmarsland, @bigtechcoach, @hellorubyworld, @TeachCode
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:38 PM EST
    A3: My students LOVED the CS Discoveries "What is a Computer" activity. Scissors, paper, glue. :) #csk8
  • MckennaJ72 Mar 7 @ 8:39 PM EST
    Yes, physical computing can provide students with instant feedback #csk8
    In reply to @techteacher
  • jonmattingly Mar 7 @ 8:39 PM EST
    A4: In the younger grades- classroom control! Things can get pretty nuts when 25 robots are stumbling all around the room :) #csk8
  • techteacher Mar 7 @ 8:40 PM EST
    #csk8 If you use a variety of mediums (play dough, pencil & paper, Lego’s, makerspace crafty stuff) then the novelty is fun!
    In reply to @VisionsByVicky, @alfredtwo, @Sheena1010
  • MckennaJ72 Mar 7 @ 8:41 PM EST
    #csk8 A4 if you are in a computer lab, finding the space and materials for an unplugged activity can be a challenge
  • CSwhitekh Mar 7 @ 8:41 PM EST
    A4: Trying to teach an isolated concept instead of connecting it to what they just did like through a project, making it more meaningful. #csk8
  • Sheena1010 - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:41 PM EST
    A4: The challenge is to keep the unplugged activity from turning into a game - keeping the focus on the concept and not the tangible objects/ the acting out/ the simulations etc. Usually much easier to run in a class of teachers than with a class of middle school kids! #csk8
  • alfredtwo Mar 7 @ 8:41 PM EST
    A4: Some unplugged activities can get messy as in they make a mess. Not a horrible thing but it means you have to plan clean up time. #csk8
  • techteacher Mar 7 @ 8:42 PM EST
    A4: Unplugged activities sometime requires more prep of materials beforehand (but it is worth it) #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:42 PM EST
    That is definitely a challenge for me. #csk8
    In reply to @MckennaJ72
  • magistrazee Mar 7 @ 8:42 PM EST
    A3 unplugged activities work when you have students who are not to use screens due to concussions! I used Robot turtle game this year for such a student & he was happy to be the same things others were doing on the computers, #csk8
  • jonmattingly Mar 7 @ 8:43 PM EST
    I think teaching CS is a lot like most things - your Ss get out of it what you put into it #csk8
    In reply to @techteacher
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:43 PM EST
    LOL! You mean middle school students aren't as well behaved as teachers? #csk8
    In reply to @Sheena1010
  • billmarsland Mar 7 @ 8:43 PM EST
    A4: Some teachers in small traditional computer lab spaces don't have room for the unplugged activities that involve lots of movement, crafts, and sometimes even table space for writing or drawing! #csk8
  • CindyGo75 Mar 7 @ 8:43 PM EST
    I feel like it’s a race against time when doing projects. #csk8
  • Todd_Lash - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:43 PM EST
    I'm telling you! I stick to almost strictly unplugged activities with the football team and boxers at my elementary school :) #csk8
    In reply to @magistrazee
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:44 PM EST
    We have no table space but we use the floor and clipboards or take it outside to our lunch tables. :) #csk8
    In reply to @billmarsland
  • MckennaJ72 Mar 7 @ 8:45 PM EST
    Implementation is always a challenge. Hard to find curriculum to address it because of the wide variety of classroom environments #csk8
    In reply to @VisionsByVicky
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:45 PM EST
    It is but unplugged activities are a great way to introduce a topic at the beginning or reinforce it at the end. #csk8
    In reply to @CindyGo75
  • Sheena1010 - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:46 PM EST
    Yes! As you know, it is super fun to work with an enthusiastic set of middle schoolers - but definitely different than a group of teachers who are focussed on just learning - they see the unplugged activities for just that! #csk8
    In reply to @VisionsByVicky
  • MckennaJ72 Mar 7 @ 8:46 PM EST
    Schlepping is the absolute worst. Then you have Ss that missed class, keeping track of it all....I get a headache just thinking about it #csk8
    In reply to @Agatorbites
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:46 PM EST
    A4: Finding or creating good unplugged activities for certain concepts (the non algorithm & programming ones) can be difficult. #csk8
  • alfredtwo Mar 7 @ 8:47 PM EST
    I use our locker room and its tables for unplugged activities that take more room than the computer lab has #csk8
    In reply to @VisionsByVicky, @billmarsland
  • jonmattingly Mar 7 @ 8:48 PM EST
    We might have a hundred different teachers use a Kodable lesson a hundred different ways. Every school/class seems to teach CS slightly differently… #csk8
    In reply to @MckennaJ72, @VisionsByVicky
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:48 PM EST
    Q5: What are your favorite unplugged activities that teach CS concepts? Please share links to resources! #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:48 PM EST
    It's our last question of the night. Let's share those resources! #csk8
    • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:48 PM EST
      Q5: What are your favorite unplugged activities that teach CS concepts? Please share links to resources! #csk8
  • Sheena1010 - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:49 PM EST
    Ha! Enthusiastic fun loving teachers can make a CS PD session exciting. Having done the @krausecenter CS programs now for 3 years, I think I get it better.. Plus I have experts like @drabigailjoseph who work with me, which makes it much easier. #csk8
    In reply to @alfredtwo, @krausecenter, @drabigailjoseph
  • techteacher Mar 7 @ 8:50 PM EST
    A5: I like the getting loopy lesson from @code.org https://t.co/FXhersRpg1 #csk8
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:51 PM EST
    A5: If you don't know about the #CSUnplugged website, then you MUST check it out! https://t.co/0Qg9VWV0m3 #csk8
  • MckennaJ72 Mar 7 @ 8:51 PM EST
    Great site. #csk8
    In reply to @magistrazee
  • techteacher Mar 7 @ 8:51 PM EST
    A5: I haven't written it up but I like to do an unplugged activity on looping with kids favorite hip-hop lyrics #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:51 PM EST
    Gotta dance! Hello Ruby has a fun dance lesson as well. https://t.co/J3CWpytAM5 #csk8
    In reply to @techteacher, @code
  • magistrazee Mar 7 @ 8:51 PM EST
    A5 part 2 #csk8 other great resource https://t.co/uZxax57Sbp @codeorg
  • techteacher Mar 7 @ 8:52 PM EST
    A5: On my todo list are unplugged activities for computational thinking concepts using legos #csk8
  • Sheena1010 - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:52 PM EST
    A5: I use a lot of activities from the CS Unplugged site - example the binary cards, sorting networks .. and have made up some more along the way #csk8
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:53 PM EST
    A5: Also some of my favorite store-bought board games to teach CS are @ThinkFun Robot Turtles, Code Master, @codemonkeyislnd , Coding Farmers, and @littlecodr #csk8
  • Todd_Lash - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:53 PM EST
    Say more Kathy? You have such activities or you are planning to develop them? #csk8
    In reply to @techteacher
  • CindyGo75 Mar 7 @ 8:53 PM EST
    Looks like I have some homework to do now. 😃 This website looks great. #csk8
    In reply to @magistrazee
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:54 PM EST
    Love using Legos. #csk8
    In reply to @techteacher
  • techteacher Mar 7 @ 8:55 PM EST
    They are just in my head right now, but I use legos a lot in other STEM lessons. #CSK8
    In reply to @Todd_Lash
  • LaurieAnastasio Mar 7 @ 8:55 PM EST
    We did the https://t.co/dnTfBY3kjN unplugged dance lesson to Shake It Off this weekend. It was so fun and FAST :) #csk8
    In reply to @VisionsByVicky, @techteacher, @code
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:57 PM EST
    A5: Must share my spreadsheet https://t.co/mzsvyrOgh3 #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:58 PM EST
    Thank you for participating in tonight’s #csk8 chat about unplugged activities for teaching computer science to 5-14 year olds. A special thanks to our guest moderator @Agatorbites
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:58 PM EST
    INCREDIBLE resource! #csk8
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:58 PM EST
    https://t.co/fpr6ycJYZD's CSP class has one https://t.co/rXF77aOev7 Easy to adapt for younger grades. #csk8
    In reply to @techteacher, @Todd_Lash
  • Agatorbites Mar 7 @ 8:58 PM EST
    We encourage you to continue the conversations on Google+ at https://t.co/0mWC5XArdB & here on Twitter using the #csk8 hashtag.
  • VisionsByVicky - Moderator Mar 7 @ 8:59 PM EST
    An archive of this chat will be posted in the K-8 Computer Science Teachers g+ Community at https://t.co/Pun3ZoWtgN #csk8