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Project GUTS on Canvas Commons

Canvas Commons courses
- Project GUTS PD course
- Project GUTS Module 1 - Student Edition

Screen shot of blocks and concepts guide

Code Blocks for CS in Science Module 1: Intro to Computer Science & Simulation

Here are links to the Code Blocks for CS in Science Module 1, for StarLogo Nova 1.0 (Flash version), and the Code Blocks for CS in Science Module 1 for StarLogo Nova 2.0 (HTML5/JavaScript version). This is not the one-page Blocks and Drawers Guide for StarLogo Nova (those documents are linked below).

Computational Science video

A short video (1:27) on the computational science cycle, used in Project GUTS CS in Science (Modules 2-4).

Teaching Computer Science and Creating Independent Learners

A video (7:54) for teachers and facilitators with helpful techniques on facilitating design-and-build activities in ways then encourage students to become self-sufficient problem solvers.

Getting Unstuck: Karen Brennan's "8 for 8"

This 8:13 minute video gives techniques for facilitating classrooms of students who are working on projects.

Graphic from video showing people wearing jeans

Data and Data Analysis video

A very short video (0.36) introducing the concepts of data and data analysis from StarLogo Nova models.

Maze

Students struggle understanding proportional relationships and scaling shapes. This module allows students to scale one shape and transfer it to 3 different environments. Students will create a game online (SL Nova) and program a Sphero (robot) while learning the math standards.

Scientific Practices and Computational Thinking in Modeling & Simulation

This document is a handout used to reflect on the scientific practices and computational thinking involved in a Project GUTS module or lesson.

CS in Science Curriculum (binder) compatible with StarLogo Nova 2.0

This is the pdf of the complete CS in Science curriculum. Print copies can be ordered from Mimeo.

CS in Science videos -Link to Playlists for each Module and CS resources

This link will take you to the playlist for the Project GUTS/CS in Science youtube channel, where videos for each module and for teaching and StarLogo Nova tips are organized.

Skill Building Deck

A slide deck of exercises to build CS and decoding skills

Guides, Common Forms, and Activity Sheets for CS in Science Modules

This 56-page pdf includes printable copies of the Student Activity Guides, Common Forms, Blocks Guides, CS Concepts, and Progress Monitors for Modules 1-4 of CS in Science. This version was created in 2015, for StarLogo Nova 1.0. If using StarLogo Nova 2.0, search for the Blocks guides attached to each module.

CS in Science Module 2: Shared Water Resources (StarLogo Nova 2.0)

In this Earth Science module, students will investigate the importance of ground water and the impacts of water usage on aquifer levels. They will also explore how to model important parts of the water cycle, including evaporation and infiltration of water into different types of soils to recharge the aquifers. This updated resource corresponds to StarLogo Nova 2.0 (HTML5/JavaScript version), a modeling and simulation environment developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Model Observation Form

This form is used to capture a learner's thinking while observing a model.

Diagram of x and y coordinates in StarLogo Nova

Math Basics for StarLogo Nova

This handout explains left and right degrees, x and y coordinates, and headings in StarLogo Nova.

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Cookbook for Common Codes for StarLogo Nova 1.0 and StarLogo Nova 2.0

The links below include explanations and screen shots for common codes in both versions of StarLogo Nova, including setting up the world, creating and renaming breeds, using default traits and creating custom traits, random and wiggle walks, coordinates and using 3-D view, using keyboard controls, using widgets including sliders, data boxes, charts and line graphs, terrain color, using collisions, creating a stop code, and teaching agents to chase or run away from other agents.

Pair Programming video

This short video (2:51 minutes) features two middle school girls describing and practicing pair programming. It is a great introduction to this method of learning programming and creating models.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology video - image of birds flocking

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling Video

This short video (3:13 minutes) introduces complex adaptive systems and agent-based modeling concepts to middle-school students. It shows beautiful footage of birds flocking as an example of a complex adaptive system.

CS in Science Module 1: Introduction to Computer Modeling and Simulation (StarLogo Nova 2.0)

Module 1 introduces basic concepts in modeling complex systems through hands-on activities and participatory simulations. A scaffolded series of highly-engaging design and build activities guide students through developing their first computer model in StarLogo Nova 2.0, a modeling and simulation environment developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Code.org and SLNova Computer Science Concepts

This is a 4 week unit for a Computer Technology class in a middle school. Students are introduced to computer science concepts through lessons in Code.org's Course 3. Students then apply those concepts in SLNova projects.

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