Elementary Computer Science: Let's Focus on Computational Thinking
Combine Creativity With Computational Thinking
An important component of the Computer Science curriculum at the elementary level is the establishment of a core understanding of the computational thinking skills and and understandings. At the elementary school level, this is done through an instructional focus on the skills and understandings of abstraction, algorithms, data, programming and development, and modeling/simulation. Elementary educators, should be encouraged and supported to teach elementary students how to write basic programs, problem solve and be creative using age-appropriate robotics and digital tools.
Creativity Through Programming
A variety of elementary robotics platforms and programs support computational thinking at the earliest levels of kindergarten and first grade. It establishes the students' knowledge of algorithmic thinking by teaching students to create sequences with their robots to reach specific destinations using simple commands and directional movement. The Bee-Bot floor robot is a powerful tool which makes understanding the importance of sequence and commands easily digestible to students as young as kindergarten.
Educators can utilize web-based software like Scratch (https://scratch.mit.edu/) to support students' understanding of programming sequences, modeling and simulation by having students create animations which support specific programming vocabulary such as blocks, scripts, sprites and coordinates. This software is an entry to understanding the necessary sequencing and processes to making a program run.
Embedding Computer Science into other curriculum areas is also important and can be supported by resources like Sphero robotics (https://sphero.com/) which allow students to demonstrate proficiency to draw canvas layouts, use block programs to manipulate lights and sounds, and create loops and conditionals. Supporting students and educators with a robotics platform which provides additional understanding of computational thinking and can be incorporated into other curriculum areas such as science and math is a powerful tool.
Supporting The Future
Establishing computational thinking skills at the elementary level, students are well prepared to take advantage of Middle School and High School Computer Science courses which take these skills to the next level and teach students to learn programming languages such as Python and Java that rely upon concepts understood initially at the elementary level.
The focus on computational thinking at the elementary level within the curriculum frameworks for Digital Learning and Computer Science provides a base of knowledge which is transferable to the upper grades. Students' exposure to programming vocabulary and hands-on robotics is now an essential component to preparing students for their future learning, education and careers.