This week the class participated in the Hour of Code which a global initiative to interest students in computer science and related careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). There were some technical difficulties at first owing to the fact that we were trying to share the Hour of Code website with millions of other people at the time. We did eventually get coding, and I think it was a good experience for the students. They learned the basic concepts of computer programming, namely the need for accurate, detailed directions given in a logically thought out sequence.
In case you did not see the note, I am offering an extra credit math grade for any student that does another coding tutorial on their own. To earn the extra credit, students must complete and of the tutorials found at code.org and write a paragraph describing the experience, and telling how the skills needed for successful computer coding apply to their other school work. This is due by Monday the 15th.
Over the coming winter break, the students will have an assignment to complete. It will be a book report of sorts, the directions for which will be posted in the links next week. Student will need to read a chapter book, write a report, and design a book cover. This directions will go home on the 17th and the project will be due January 12th. To encourage the students to complete the project over the break, there will be an ice cream reward for those who turn the assignment in on January 6th. This assignment will count as a project grade. It should be considered a warm up for GT Expo #2, coming in early February.
If you do not follow the class on Twitter, I encourage you again to do so. It is a great way to keep up with what we are doing in class day to day. Follow us on Twitter here.
As always, let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you for a great first half of the year! I hope everyone enjoys some time with family.
