A Block-Based Arduino Programming Platform for Developing Computational Thinking Skills for K-12 Students

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binsen Qian ◽  
Harry H. Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Autonomous Vehicles ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Set ◽  
Programming Students ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Block Based ◽  
K 12 ◽  
And Robotics

Abstract As a critical set of skills in the 21st century, computational thinking has attracted increasing attention in K-12 education. Microcontrollers, combined with LEDs, actuators, and a variety of sensors, provide students countless real-world projects, such as autonomous vehicles, smart homes, and robotics. By solving those projects through programming, students will not only learn computational skills but also benefit from the hands-on activities to get some experience on solving real-world problems. It makes microcontroller projects a perfect tool to develop the computational thinking skills of K-12 students. Our previous work has proposed a solution for higher graders to program Arduino through Ch, a C/C++ interpreter. It is necessary, however, to develop a platform for lower graders (K-6) since most of them do not have the ability to type through the keyboard. This paper extends our previous work such that students can program Arduino on RoboBlockly, a block-based programming platform. In the paper, we will present two case studies to demonstrate how to build blocks to control the Arduino board and what concepts students will learn from those projects. In addition, the proposed platform also provides an interactive way of transitioning students from the block-based program to a text-based program in Ch.

Bridging the Gap: Bringing Professionals into the Classroom to Effectively Teach Environmental Science Concepts

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (9) ◽  
pp. 618-624
Author(s):  
Mallory Ware ◽  
Christie Sampson ◽  
Delaney Lann ◽  
Erica Linard ◽  
Lauren Garcia Chance
Keyword(s):  
Science Teachers ◽  
Real World ◽  
Science Communication ◽  
Environmental Science ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Community Science ◽  
K 12

Hands-on learning is a highly effective teaching method for topics in STEM disciplines. Unfortunately, environmental science teachers sometimes lack the tools to engage their students in hands-on experimentation in real-world research outside of the classroom. Partnerships between science professionals and teachers can help address this disparity, and operating within an established community science program is an excellent way for teachers and professionals to provide K–12 students opportunities for involvement in real-world research. We developed a four-stage program that maximizes the benefits of bringing together members of the professional and academic sectors; the stages include Learn, Collect, Report, and Communicate (LCRC). The goal of this program is to bring science professionals into a K–12 classroom to emphasize the importance of conducting research using the scientific method, to promote responsible community science, improve students' data literacy and critical thinking skills, and highlight the relevance of science communication. We demonstrate this program with a case study using water quality research in high school AP classes. Evaluations of the case study indicate this framework, and the engagement with science professionals alters students' perceptions of science and scientists while giving them the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue scientific endeavors.

Computational Thinking and Robotics

2020 ◽  
pp. 90-115
Author(s):  
Carol Munn
Keyword(s):  
21St Century ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Robotics Education ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Unique Framework ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
And Robotics ◽  
Mathematics And Science

This chapter explores a unique framework that expresses freshness and innovation within revolutionary learning experiences. The chapter focuses on the implementation of computational thinking skills as an essential element of a robotics education program that was driven by hands-on activities instilling the notion of imagination through innovative projects. Engineering design applications with robotics created an atmosphere in which students applied abstract mathematics and science concepts. The robot and its technology imploding in the field of education created excitement in the minds of students with renewed, revitalized interest, and curiosity stretching across the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Robotics education along with computational thinking skills are primary keys for unlocking the unlimited creative and innovative potential with engaging hands-on activities. Robots, a fascinating learning instrument, rejuvenate, animate, and revive 21st century skills in tech-savvy language familiar with today's students.

Computational Thinking and Robotics

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Carol Munn
Keyword(s):  
21St Century ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Robotics Education ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Unique Framework ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
And Robotics ◽  
Mathematics And Science

This chapter explores a unique framework that expresses freshness and innovation within revolutionary learning experiences. The chapter focuses on the implementation of computational thinking skills as an essential element of a robotics education program that was driven by hands-on activities instilling the notion of imagination through innovative projects. Engineering design applications with robotics created an atmosphere in which students applied abstract mathematics and science concepts. The robot and its technology imploding in the field of education created excitement in the minds of students with renewed, revitalized interest, and curiosity stretching across the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Robotics education along with computational thinking skills are primary keys for unlocking the unlimited creative and innovative potential with engaging hands-on activities. Robots, a fascinating learning instrument, rejuvenate, animate, and revive 21st century skills in tech-savvy language familiar with today's students.

Analyzing Current Visual Tools and Methodologies of Computer Programming Teaching in Primary Education

2018 ◽  
pp. 201-229
Author(s):  
Serhat Altiok ◽  
Erman Yükseltürk
Keyword(s):  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Computer Programming ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Visual Programming ◽  
General Description ◽  
Programming Tools ◽  
K 12 ◽  
Pedagogical Approaches

In our age, computational thinking that involves understanding human behavior and designing systems for solving problems is important as much as reading, writing and arithmetic for everyone. Computer programming is one of the ways that could be promote the process of developing computational thinking, in addition to developing higher-order thinking skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking skills etc. However, instead of focusing on problems and sub-problems, algorithms, or the most effective and efficient solution, focusing on programming language specific needs and problems affects the computational thinking process negatively. Many educators use different tools and pedagogical approaches to overcome these difficulties such as, individual work, collaborative work and visual programming tools etc. In this study, researchers analyze four visual programming tools (Scratch, Small Basic, Alice, App Inventor) for students in K-12 level and three methodologies (Project-based learning, Problem-based learning and Design-based learning) while teaching programming in K-12 level. In summary, this chapter presents general description of visual programming tools and pedagogical approaches, examples of how each tool can be used in programming education in accordance with the CT process and the probable benefits of these tools and approaches to explore the practices of computational thinking.

Educational Robotics for Creating Effective Computer Science Learning for All

2021 ◽  
pp. 44-69
Author(s):  
Amy Eguchi
Keyword(s):  
Computer Science ◽  
Effective Teachers ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
People Of Color ◽  
Underrepresented Minorities ◽  
Educational Robotics ◽  
Learning Tool ◽  
Real Picture ◽  
K 12

President Obama's initiative, “computer science for all,” has been a rallying slogan for promoting computer science in K-12 education. Although the participation of people of color in computer science (CS) has increased in the past several years, it is still drastically low and does not reflect the real picture of our society. This chapter explores how educational robotics as a learning tool can inspire underrepresented minorities including females and students of color to become interested in CS. Supported by Papert's constructionism theory, educational robotics effectively facilitates students' learning of various concepts in CS and STEM. Educational robotics is a learning tool which inspires students' interest in learning. It provides a learning environment that promotes students' learning of various CS concepts and computational thinking skills. Although robots naturally spark students' interests, to make it most effective, teachers are required effortfully to create learning opportunities that are authentic and meaningful for individual students.

Analyzing Current Visual Tools and Methodologies of Computer Programming Teaching in Primary Education

2022 ◽  
pp. 648-676
Author(s):  
Serhat Altiok ◽  
Erman Yükseltürk
Keyword(s):  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Computer Programming ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Visual Programming ◽  
General Description ◽  
Programming Tools ◽  
K 12 ◽  
Pedagogical Approaches

In our age, computational thinking that involves understanding human behavior and designing systems for solving problems is important as much as reading, writing and arithmetic for everyone. Computer programming is one of the ways that could be promote the process of developing computational thinking, in addition to developing higher-order thinking skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking skills etc. However, instead of focusing on problems and sub-problems, algorithms, or the most effective and efficient solution, focusing on programming language specific needs and problems affects the computational thinking process negatively. Many educators use different tools and pedagogical approaches to overcome these difficulties such as, individual work, collaborative work and visual programming tools etc. In this study, researchers analyze four visual programming tools (Scratch, Small Basic, Alice, App Inventor) for students in K-12 level and three methodologies (Project-based learning, Problem-based learning and Design-based learning) while teaching programming in K-12 level. In summary, this chapter presents general description of visual programming tools and pedagogical approaches, examples of how each tool can be used in programming education in accordance with the CT process and the probable benefits of these tools and approaches to explore the practices of computational thinking.

Educational Robotics for Creating Effective Computer Science Learning for All

2022 ◽  
pp. 756-781
Author(s):  
Amy Eguchi
Keyword(s):  
Computer Science ◽  
Effective Teachers ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
People Of Color ◽  
Underrepresented Minorities ◽  
Educational Robotics ◽  
Learning Tool ◽  
Real Picture ◽  
K 12

President Obama's initiative, “computer science for all,” has been a rallying slogan for promoting computer science in K-12 education. Although the participation of people of color in computer science (CS) has increased in the past several years, it is still drastically low and does not reflect the real picture of our society. This chapter explores how educational robotics as a learning tool can inspire underrepresented minorities including females and students of color to become interested in CS. Supported by Papert's constructionism theory, educational robotics effectively facilitates students' learning of various concepts in CS and STEM. Educational robotics is a learning tool which inspires students' interest in learning. It provides a learning environment that promotes students' learning of various CS concepts and computational thinking skills. Although robots naturally spark students' interests, to make it most effective, teachers are required effortfully to create learning opportunities that are authentic and meaningful for individual students.

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