Computational Thinking and Scratch
For early learners, Scratch is a terrific tool for addressing the concepts that were laid out by Jeanette Wing in her 2006 paper on computational thinking patterns. The CSTA later adopted these ideas in creating their own education standards for K-12 computer science classrooms. In this session, we'll look at simple activities that get K-8 students working towards becoming computational thinkers.
Target Audience: K-12 teachers are the preferred audience, but parents that are interested in helping students learn about computing are also welcome.
Skill Level: Anyone
Time: 50 minutes
Presenter: Phil Sands
Phil Sands is the K-12 Outreach Coordinator for Computer Science at Purdue University. Previously, Phil spent 6 years as a software engineer and 7 years teaching computer programming and statistics at high schools in Washington D.C. and Michigan. His focus is on expanding the opportunities for computer science education in Indiana and engaging underrepresented minorities in the field so that all students have the opportunity to participate.
Target Audience: K-12 teachers are the preferred audience, but parents that are interested in helping students learn about computing are also welcome.
Skill Level: Anyone
Time: 50 minutes
Presenter: Phil Sands
Phil Sands is the K-12 Outreach Coordinator for Computer Science at Purdue University. Previously, Phil spent 6 years as a software engineer and 7 years teaching computer programming and statistics at high schools in Washington D.C. and Michigan. His focus is on expanding the opportunities for computer science education in Indiana and engaging underrepresented minorities in the field so that all students have the opportunity to participate.