Month: March 2016

Edhesive

An online AP Computer Science course for high schools aligned specifically to College Board’s Advanced Placement Computer Science A Exam.

Our unique approach is driven by our belief that online learning has the power to reach all learners regardless of their location or resources, yet can only succeed if students feel a personal connection to it. Our coaches, who are often teachers at local schools and are not required to have expertise in our course subject, meet with students regularly to inspire, challenge and guide them through the process. In doing so, students are enriched and motivated to do the work of learning in ways that technology alone cannot do.

Source: Edhesive

You Can Solve Quantum Mechanics’ Classic Particle in a Box Problem With Code | WIRED

RHETT ALLAIN SCIENCE  03.25.16. 2:31 PM.

HUMANS HAVE PROBLEMS with quantum mechanics. We have excellent intuition about the motion of a tennis ball tossed in the air, but what about an electron trapped in a box? The tendency is to use the same tennis ball rules and apply it to the electron—but it doesn’t work. We have to use different models to explain properties of very very small things. We call this quantum mechanics (as opposed to classical mechanics).

Of course I can’t go over all the details of quantum mechanics, so let me give you the abridged version.

Source: You Can Solve Quantum Mechanics’ Classic Particle in a Box Problem With Code | WIRED

CS Fundamentals for grades K-5 | Code.org Code Studio

Code.org has developed an elementary school curriculum that allows even the youngest students to explore the limitless world of computing – at no cost for schools. The courses blend online, self-guided and self-paced tutorials with “unplugged” activities that require no computer at all. Each course consists of about 20 lessons that may be implemented as one unit or over the course of a semester. Even kindergarten-aged pre-readers can participate.
Source: CS Fundamentals for grades K-5 | Code.org

K12CS – A Framework for K-12 Computer Science Education

As interest and growth in K-12 computer science education spreads, states and school districts are asking a common question: What do students need to know and be able to do in K-12 computer science? The ACM, CSTA, Code.org, CIC, and NMSI have joined forces with more than 100 advisors within the computing community (higher ed faculty, researchers, K-12 teachers), several states and large school districts, technology companies, and other organizations to steer a process to develop conceptual guidelines for states and districts creating a K-12 pathway in computer science.Code.org and ACM are providing funding for this effort. The framework is slated for release in Summer 2016.

Source: About – A Framework for K-12 Computer Science Education

Robomatter, Inc.

Teaching the Language of Innovation

At Robomatter, we use the motivational effects of robotics to excite students about computer science, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. ROBOTS and ROBOTICS integrate math, science, engineering, and technology in ways that motivate and excite students. Our goal is to provide easy-to-use robotics educational learning resources, many created under license from and in association with Carnegie Mellon University.

Source: About Us | Robomatter, Inc.

BBC micro:bit : Want to know a bit more about BBC micro:bit?

You can use your BBC micro:bit for all sorts of cool creations, from robots to musical instruments – the possibilities are endless. The micro:bit is a handheld, fully programmable computer being given free to every Year 7 or equivalent child across the UK. It’s 70 times smaller and 18 times faster than the original BBC Micro computers used in schools in the early 1980s.

This little device has an awful lot of features, like 25 red LED lights that can flash messages. There are two programmable buttons that can flash messages. There are two programmable buttons that can be used to control games or pause and skip songs on a playlist. Your BBC micro:bit can detect motion and tell you which direction you’re heading in, and it can use a low energy Bluetooth connection to interact with other devices and the Internet – clever!

Source: BBC micro:bit : Want to know a bit more about BBC micro:bit?

10 Python Teaching Resources You Really Should Be Using – teachcomputing.wordpress.com

Since I first started teaching text-based programming with Python in 2011, I’ve discovered some resources that I make use of regularly. I still use these extensively with the teachers that I support as part of my work with Exa Education. I’m sure that others reading this post may like to suggest other tools, and I would encourage you to add them as a comment on this post.

When I made my first tentative steps into the world of Python I was pleasantly surprised how welcoming, supportive and accommodating I found the Python community to be. The vast abundance of high quality, free teaching and learning resources are testament to this. Though you might equate the word ‘resource’ to describe something more akin to a textbook or webpage, without the assiduous efforts of the Python community the resources listed below would simply not exist.
Source: 10 Python Teaching Resources You Really Should Be Using – teachcomputing.wordpress.com

AppShed – Build HTML5, iPhone and Android apps online

AppShed allows people to become creators of technology, not just consumers.AppShed is a free online app-creation tool where users design, create and publish mobile apps. Everyone gains a huge sense of achievement, having been able to produce something tangible they can share with others. The app-building environment is intuitive and adaptable to your needs. Apps can be tested in real-time either on a mobile device or in a browser.
Source: AppShed – Build HTML5, iPhone and Android apps online