Hello All,
We continue to have great fun here in the lab. Here is a sample of what each grade level is working on:
Kindergartners have started our robotics unit with the BeeBots. I'm sure they have told you about our friendly yellow bees in the lab. The students programmed an actual, not virtual, robot to move using simple commands in a repetitive motion such as forward, back, left and right. The challenge was to move the robots anywhere on the mat but they must come back to it's original spot. They had a ball trying this. We are currently working on the computer with the Beebots and writing simple code that will do the same thing however with more bells and whistles such as adding color and stamps to the virtual mat. Please ask them about it and you will be able to see their excitement. This is surely one of my favorite units!
First Graders completed their self portraits and they are now hanging up in the lab. It's a joy to see the artwork. They are now into our programming unit in which they are programming a virtual turtle and creating an animated picture. They have learned to program with simple commands to watch their picture come to life. I can honestly say that we have a hidden programming talent in all of our 1st Graders. They are so clever!
Second Graders are wrapping up their slide show project and will begin to share it with their peers using the smart board. They can't wait for this. Some students have really challenged themselves and added sound effects and amazing transitions to their slides. If you have KidPix at home, please let me know that I can email you the file or just pop in here when you get the chance. I'll be happy to show you their creation!
Third Graders are wrapping up their short story using our book publishing software. Some are ready to begin sharing. It was great to see them use just about all the tools the program has to offer. That was the point of this so that they can delve into an unknown software and create something animated and magical. We will begin our unit on PowerPoint so that they can create amazing slideshows when needed. Stay tuned!
Fourth Graders are continuing to have a ball with SketchUp. If you have not downloaded it, please do, so that your child can continue creating 3-D structures. Last week they were introduced to the 3-D Warehouse so that they could download items into their dream home. Students are really creating some virtual futuristic homes. One created a house with wings and I asked why, They replied so that I can go anywhere in the world and still be at home. Amazing response...I sure wish my home had wings!
As usual please do continue to contact me if you have any questions. Take care!
Rasha Sachdeva
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