PD in a Box: CS & Computational Thinking Class Activities by REMC 2 Central

Sandcastle Sequencing Challenge

remc2C — 2025-03-17 15:04:22 UTC

Using 'How to Code a Sandcastle' as inspiration, write precise sequential instructions for building a simple structure using classroom objects. (If you can find a partner and try out your instructions.) One partner acts as the 'computer' following exact instructions while the other is the 'programmer.' This activity demonstrates the importance of clear, sequential instructions in programming and introduces basic algorithm concepts. (Share your instructions and/or what you learned by completing this with a partner.)

Makey Makey Controller

remc2C — 2025-03-17 15:04:22 UTC

Create an interactive controller using Makey Makey and conductive materials. Connect the Makey Makey to everyday objects (fruit, aluminum foil, pencil drawings) and use Scratch to make a game. This activity introduces circuit concepts, basic programming, and user interface design. Experiment with different conductive materials and create a controller to move your character (sprite) in your game.

Code Your Micro:bit

remc2C — 2025-03-17 15:04:24 UTC

💻 Activity: Visit the micro:bit website and complete a coding task—flash a heart, scroll a message, or make a step counter. 🎯 Post: Share a picture or video of your micro:bit completing the task. 💡 Challenge: Experiment with sensors (like the accelerometer or light sensor) to add complexity.

Decomposition Detective

remc2C — 2025-03-17 15:04:24 UTC

Using the computational thinking posters as reference, educators analyze a complex task (like making a sandwich or getting ready for work) and break it down into smaller, manageable steps. They create flowcharts to visualize the process and identify potential automation opportunities. This activity reinforces the computational thinking concept of decomposition.

Makey Makey Music

remc2C — 2025-03-17 15:04:24 UTC

🎵 Activity: Use Makey Makey to complete the Banana Bongos activity or try another creative project. 🎯 Post: Share a picture or video of your Makey Makey project. 💡 Challenge: Create a Makey Makey interactive poster or custom musical instrument.

Debug the Story

remc2C — 2025-03-17 15:04:25 UTC

Using 'How to Code a Sandcastle' as a framework, educators identify and fix 'bugs' in simple stories where the sequence of events doesn't make logical sense. They then create their own stories with intentional bugs for peers to debug, reinforcing the importance of testing and debugging in programming.

Microsoft MakeCode

remc2C — 2025-03-17 15:24:01 UTC

🎮 Activity: Use Microsoft MakeCode to create a simple game. (There are tutorials on the site that will lead you through the process.)🎯 Post: Upload a screenshot of your code or a short video of the game running. 💡 Challenge: Modify an existing game or create your own from scratch!

Computational Thinking Posters

remc2C — 2025-03-17 16:12:19 UTC

📌 Activity: Use the computational thinking posters in your classroom and explore an online resource like Google’s CT Guide or CS Unplugged. 🎯 Post: Share one idea for incorporating computational thinking into your teaching. 💡 Challenge: Try a quick unplugged activity and document your results!

Try an AI or Data Science Activity

remc2C — 2025-03-17 16:15:43 UTC

🤖 Activity: Explore Google Teachable Machine or AI for Oceans to see AI in action. 🎯 Post: Share what you tried and what surprised you about AI. 💡 Challenge: Train an AI model to recognize hand gestures or objects.

Bonus: Share Your Favorite CS Resource!

remc2C — 2025-03-17 16:22:29 UTC

🌐 Activity: What is one computer science or computational thinking tool, app, or website you love? 🎯 Post: Share a link and a short description of why you love this resource. 💡 Challenge: Try incorporating this resource with your micro:bit or Makey Makey.