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Objectives

Have FUN and enjoy learning about CS Ed!
Learn how Project Based Learning can help teach students about computer science.
Learn how Project Based Learning connects to teaching the CS Practices, Analyzing, Prototyping and Communicating.
Learn different strategies for teaching computer science w/ Project Based Learning.
Learn about curriculum options for teaching w/ Project Based Learning.

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Reflection Questions (p. 2)

How do you use Project Based Learning in your classroom?
How can Project Based Learning help teach computer science?
What makes a successful driving/essential question for computer science?
What are some examples of opportunities for students to drive this work?
How do the CS Practices connect to Project Based Learning?
What additional strategies can you use when teaching CS with PBL?

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Computer Science is the…

Practice of…	Concepts from…	Perspectives
Analyzing the impacts of computing Prototyping projects connected to interests Communicating understanding of concepts	Abstraction Algorithms Programming Data Networks	Explorer Creator Innovator Citizen

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Providing Structure

PBL & CS Teaching Strategies

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Open Ended Approach (p. 14)

As teachers and students build their confidence in computer science, they may choose a more open ended approach.
Beginning with the big idea for the project, students can explore what an application can and can not do.
Then in alignment with the Innovator perspective, students can build and share their discoveries with other students by contributing to or building on other projects.

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Example: On/Off Button - Hello Ruby

There are many things around us that are hidden computers. For example, new smartwatches connect to the Internet to get weather information.
Many digital cameras allow you to share photos immediately over wifi. Even some fridges and cars are computers!
From this activity students can build on their understanding that the general description of input→ process→ output of data is what makes a computer a computer.
While creating their own prototype of a computer system.

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Example: Game Design

In computer science education, a popular project for students is to create a game using whatever platform or language they are learning.
Designing and building a game can be used to integrate student interests and other subject areas.
Game design also incorporates problem solving strategies and provides opportunity to demonstrate an understanding of CS Practices and Concepts.

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Example: Modifying An Existing Game

One entry point to teaching the CS Concepts and Practices through game design is to modify or 'mod' an existing game.
Students starts with changing one part of the game to create a brand new game.
Before students can change one part, they have to understand all the different parts of a game and how they work together.
Additional Resources by Institute of Play

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Example: Modifying An Existing Game

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Example: Game Design Concepts

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Example: Adventure Games

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Other Examples

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Other Examples

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How would you use an open ended approach to CS with PBL?

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Next Steps

Take some time to review the Educator Resources on the CS4All Blueprint connected to Project Based Learning -

Emphasizing Process Over Product

Write down some thoughts and ideas for using an open ended approach to teaching Computer Science w/ PBL in your Educator Workbook Notes (p. 31) .
Watch the next video in the series “PBL Teaching Strategies: Content Integration”.

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Check Us Out

Checkout participating teachers learning, photos, and videos on social media! Use @CSForAllNYC #SEPjrNYC

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Join The Conversation

Join the SEPjr Microsoft Teams Group to help stay connected and up to date with resources, opportunities and much more.

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