Here are some of the things that we do in our coding clubs:

– Learn to program with Scratch

– Learn to program with Python (years 5-6)

– Program mBot (robot)

– Program Lego Mindstorms EV3

– Build digital projects with Makey Makey (circuits and inputs)

Scratch

We use a five level program with Scratch with each level focussed on learning a set of competencies.  You can find the five levels in my ‘coding_kids’ Scratch profile.

Lesson plans for an 8 week introduction into programming with Scratch: View here.

Here are some of the games my students built in Scratch: View games.

Learn to break down a problem into a sequence of steps by programming with Scratch.

Python

Python is my preferred programming language to teach to beginners and especially for primary school students in Years 5-6 and high school students. I prefer to download Python onto computers to use, which is for free. Python is a great programming language for beginners because it is clean and readable.

mBot

Program mBot to navigate its environment and:

– avoid walls

– avoid edges of a table

– follow a line

Learn to program by programming mBot.

Lego Mindstorms EV3

Program it to navigate its environment and:

– avoid walls

– avoid edges of a table

– follow a line

– grab objects with claws

Learn to program by programming Lego Mindstorms EV3.

Makey Makey

– learn about circuits and inputs

– build your own game controller

– build your own ‘Dance Dance Revolution’ game

– build your own piano mat or drum kit to step on with feet

– build your own ‘operation’ game

– Here are a few projects students made with Makey Makey

 

 

Check out our free teacher download. Learn to code with Scratch in 30 minutes .


If you’re interested to find out more