Literacy and Technology in STEM Collaborations
Can reading and 3-D printing be merged? How does a math teacher get evaluated well for integrating literacy beyond doing a "famous mathematician" project (bleh)? Let's explore practical models and examples of how a media/tech leader can collaborate with a classroom teacher to bring literacy, technology and STEM together!
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Presenters:
Kerri Brown Parker, College of Education, NCSU Bethany V. Smith, College of Education, NCSU |
MaKey MaKey
Turn everyday objects that conduct electricity (fruit, water, people, house plants) into a touchpad that can control a computer program.
Anything you control online with the keyboard (space bar, arrow keys, etc.) like this Scratch created piano you can control with household objects after you wire them up. Links:
Makey Makey Official Site Makey Makey Sparkfun Quick Start Guide Purchase from Joylabz for $50 a kit: http://joylabz.myshopify.com/products/makey-makey-kit Collaboration/Lesson Ideas:
Deployment/Management Ideas - find ideas at this Google Doc for how you might get Makey Makey going at your school. Add to it with ways to encourage use by classes, manage the kits, etc. |
3D Printing
Use a printer to print out three dimensional objects. Help students learn computer science by designing their own object based on a research, reading, design, etc. challenge and then prototyping that object with the printer. Students will learn basic principles of design and see their work put into action.
Links:
Thingiverse - repository of designs and ideas 3-D printing in Education (cool poster for your lab or library) Tinkercad Quests Cost/Where to Purchase: Many schools are starting with MakerBot - price varies by size and capability - we like the Replicator2 ($1999) PrintrBot - some models are small and cheap BUT more difficult software from $349 (unassembled) Collaboration/Lesson Ideas:
Deployment/Management Ideas - find ideas at this Google Doc for how you might 3D printing going at your school. Add to it with ways to encourage use by classes, manage the kits, etc. |
Snap Circuits
Build circuits without soldering! Snap circuits allow students to build circuits to understand different electrical properties. You can use the built in activities, or have students create their own circuits.
Links:
Snap Circuits Website Overview of Snap Circuits in the Classroom Purchase: Available through Big Box Retailers and Amazon. Basic Kit is ~$30 and education kit ~$130 Collaboration/Lesson Ideas:
Deployment/Management Ideas - find ideas at this Google Doc for how you might get Snap Circuits going at your school. Add to it with ways to encourage use by classes, manage the kits, etc. |
littleBits
littleBits takes the concept of Snap Circuits and takes it a step further. Now you can put your circuits INSIDE other items you create!
Links:
littleBits Website Purchase: Purchase through littleBits website. There are currently four kits available and range in price from $99-$199 with additional parts available. Collaboration/Lesson Ideas:
Deployment/Management Ideas - find ideas at this Google Doc for how you might get littleBits going at your school. Add to it with ways to encourage use by classes, manage the kits, etc. |
Augmented RealityComputer generated video, sound, animation, etc. is added to an image so that when an internet capable device i.e. smart phone scans the image, the video, sound, information, etc. is activated for the user. Can be used simply like QR codes to send a smart phone to info or with more complexity in an application designed to use three dimensional and/or multi-media to enhance a user's experience.
Links:
Purchase: Some AR apps are free and some cost - you just have to explore. Some apps require in-app purchases (i.e. the Colar App) which are tricky for school licenses. If you want to create your own, try Aurasma or Layar Collaboration/Lesson Ideas:
Deployment/Management Ideas - find ideas at this Google Doc for how you might get Augmented Reality going at your school. Add to it with ways to encourage use by classes, manage the kits, etc. |
LegosLegos - it's not just towers any more! Legos in education can involve complex robotics and electronics with high level programming, telling stories with involved characters, creating stop-animation films, and more. Legos can be used across content areas and can grow with students as they get older.
Creativity is vital in all content areas and Legos are one way to foster creativity. Links:
Purchase: Legos range in price - robotics are the most expensive ($300 to $500 per kit at the high school level and $130 per kit at the elem level). Robotics also requires software and computer access. Classroom packs are around $1000. Story Starter Packs/Sets - $100-$200 Build to Express - $50 indiv or $350 Classroom Pack https://education.lego.com/en-us/lesi/ - select the Shop tab Collaboration/Lesson Ideas:
Deployment/Management Ideas - find ideas at this Google Doc for how you might get Legos and/or Lego Robotics going at your school. Add to it with ways to encourage use by classes, manage the kits, etc. |
Coding in the Classroom
Computer Science jobs have risen while computer science graduates has fallen. Those with degrees do not represent a diverse population. Exposure to computer programing and exploration are key to helping our youth discover this career path. The Hour of Code project and other simple programming applications provide the building blocks of coding in a simple and effective interface.
Links:
Hour of Code
Scratch
Purchase:
Free Internet based tools
Free iPad Apps or upgrade for $2.99 to raise difficulty
Can use in conjunction with MaKey MaKey, Legos and other tools
Collaboration/Lesson Ideas:
Deployment/Management Ideas - find ideas at this Google Doc for how you might get coding integrated into "real" learning at your school. Add to it with ways to encourage use by classes, manage the kits, etc.
Hour of Code
Scratch
Purchase:
Free Internet based tools
Free iPad Apps or upgrade for $2.99 to raise difficulty
Can use in conjunction with MaKey MaKey, Legos and other tools
Collaboration/Lesson Ideas:
- 15 Ways to Teach Coding Skills (breaks down by age)
- Scratch-ed Activities
- Teaching programming without a computer
Deployment/Management Ideas - find ideas at this Google Doc for how you might get coding integrated into "real" learning at your school. Add to it with ways to encourage use by classes, manage the kits, etc.