For each Lesson in Module 1, reflect on how you would teach this in your class, focusing on one of the following components of the lesson (choose a different component for each lesson/reflection in Module 1).
- Lesson Objectives
- Teaching Summary (do activities or estimated times need to be changed?)
- Suggested Assessment Questions
- Standards
- Responsiveness to various student needs
Post your reflection here.
Comments
For this lesson I would split it into a two day lesson: day one - explore StarLogo Nova and day two - painting turtle challenge. On day one, before going through the guided tour, I would like for the students to explore StarLogo Nova on their own by completing a scavenger hunt. This scavenger hunt would have the students find various blocks, go to the different galleries, and do project searches. I would extend this activity by having them complete the activity in pairs. This would allow me to set the classroom expectations for working in pairs. Without going into pair programming, I would assign the driver and navigator and explain the duties of each role.This would take up the majority of my 72 minute class period. On day two, I would have the students recap the roles of driver and navigator along with the classroom expectations of working in pairs. Then, I would introduce pair programming and the painted turtle activity.
The lesson as constructed can be completed in one day, but I would like to have the students explore on their own and I would like to establish the correct classroom culture for all of my students to be successful in learning about computer science in science class.
For Learning Objectives, my biggest goal with this lesson is to get my scholars comfortable with using the computers to create and explore in a way that they probably haven't before. I also want to emphasize the value of collaboration through pair programming so that the scholars can experience and better understand why its better to have and ask for help.
One struggle I'm considering is how to show the need for collaboration. Maybe it is helpful for them to pair program on mute, just taking notes of what problems or suggestions they have. This could be an adaptation for scholars that are having a hard time with proper pair programming, but it could also make the argument worse.
I love the idea of having the students work together on their programs. Granted I'm sure many of the students will wonder why they can't just do it individually once they get the hang of it. I love how working in pairs promotes communication and cooperation while problem-solving.
For the second lesson, we will review the previous lesson before introducing the new assignment. I think I will provide a reference for my students with the blocks that we will be using plus a couple extras they can explore with. Once we have gone through the basics together, I will let students work together to create their own turtle paintings. I think, to begin with, I will set a timer so the students remember to take turns; once the students have practice switching roles and do it on their own I can take the timer away.