3 ways to prepare for the hour of code
In this episode of the TechEducator Podcast, we take a look at three ways you can prepare your students for this years HOUR of CODE. \xa0 Why are Coding and Programming skills important? \xa0 Teaching students computer science skills not only can help provide important non-linear thinking skills into a student's vocabulary, but it is becoming more and more essential for students to be able to use logical thinking when planning projects and other daily activities. \xa0 After listening to this podcast, we hope you take a moment to think about and try out these three simple activities that can be implemented by teachers of all subjects and age levels. \xa0If you do have a chance to try any of these, please stop by soon and leave us a comment below sharing your story. Edtech in the News Google Calendar gets a refresh with updated features. Learn OneNote Conference - Nov 7-13 - Online Conference In this episode, you will learn: How to use Minecraft EDU as a teaching tool through their Make Code website. Make code is a website supported by Microsoft. It supports several different projects and platforms. In this demo we will explore the Minecraft coding tools on the Makecode site. How to animate your name using Scratch. This simple activity developed by the scholars at Scratch is a great introduction for students and teachers. Consider the potential of animating letters to spell keywords from anything you are studying. How to win your school\u2019s instagram Activity Coding with Robots, put a grid on it \xa0\xa0 Looking for an easy way to get kids excited about computational thinking? Make a giant tape grid on the floor. \xa0You are gonna need 4 rolls of masking tape, a yardstick, and some kneepads. \xa0 Follow our Podcast The TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | @TeacherCast The TechEducator Podcast | @TechEdShow Follow our Hosts Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury Dr. Sam Patterson | @SamPatue Jennifer Judkins | @TeachingForward Josh Gauthier | @MrGFactoftheDay Rob Pennington | @RobPennington9 Join the Conversation Our favorite part of recording a live podcast each week is participating in the great conversations that happen on our live chat, on social media, and in our comments section. \xa0 This weeks question is: Question: Other than the activities and lessons listed above, what are you doing doing this year with your students to teach them about coding, programming, and Computer Science? Please share your stories and resources below in our comments section. Explore these Resources In this episode, we mentioned the following resources: http://www.beyondthehourofcode.com 10 Innovative Ways to Bring STEM to Schools Curious George STEM The Educator\u2019s Guide to Real Estate Lesson Plans: Math & Science Computer Programming Basics Lesson Plan: Tynker Games The Educator\u2019s Guide to Applying Real-World Math: 15 Resources with over 100 Lesson Plans Architecture Activities to Help You Address NGSS Engineering Standards Making Science Labs Accessible to Students with Disabilities Tech Tip of the Week Are you interested in bringing coding, programming, or robotics into your classroom but are simply feeling overwhelmed by the thought? Did you know that many of your favorite STEM companies are providing standards based curriculum for FREE right on their websites? \xa0This curriculum might be app based, or PDF based, but it is all designed to provide you with exactly what you need to try something different in your class this year. Join our PLN Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week. Let\u2019s Work Together Host: Jeff Bradbury @TeacherCast | @JeffBradbury Email: info@teachercast.net Voice Mail: http://www.TeacherCast.net/voicemail YouTube: http://www.TeacherCast.net/YouTube iTunes: http://www.TeacherCast.net/iTunes Check Out More TeacherCast Programming TeacherCast Podcast (http://www.teachercast.net/tcp) TeacherCast App Spotlight (http://www.teachercast.net/appspotlight) Educational Podcasting Today (http://www.educationalpodcasting.today) The TechEducator Podcast (http://www.techeducatorpodcast.com) Ask The Tech Coach (http://www.AskTheTechCoach.com) View LIVE Professional Development from TeacherCast Join us LIVE every Tuesday at 8:00 PM EST: http://www.TeacherCast.tv Need a Presenter? Jeff Bradbury (@TeacherCast) is available as a Keynote Speaker, Presenter, or to Broadcast your conference LIVE!