ScratchEdYYC Meetup

It is Scratch Meetup Time! 

Our Scratch Meetup groups explore how the programming language Scratch can be used to support learning in our classrooms.  Scratch (scratch.mit.edu) is a free web based programming environment developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at MIT.  Scratch is an easy programming language to learn and everyone experiences success right away, but it also has a very high ceiling and can be used to create complex projects!

Whether you are new to coding in the classroom or are very experienced with Scratch and looking to challenge and extend your understanding, we definitely want you at our meetup!  Let's learn and grow together as we help our students learn computational thinking and coding in our schools using Scratch!  Our group works with anyone who is interested in Scratch, from Kindergarten and Grade 1 teachers exploring Scratch Jr. to people who want to write their own extensions in Java with High School students and important them into Scratch as an extension . . . and everything in between!

Check out the meeting information and sign up link below!  We hope to see you there!

Steve Martin and Loralee Martin - Founders of ScratchEdYYC!

*********

Here are some possible topics that you may be interested in that we can look at during the meet-up. However, meetups are driven by the participants so if there is something you want to share or something you want to learn about, let us know!

Introduction to Scratch through the HOUR OF CODE  (Beginners)

Thinking of using a programming language in your classroom as part of Hour of Code and Computer Science Week (December 5th - 11th)? Come to our ScratchED YYC Meetup and we will walk you through using Scratch in your classroom and the Hour of Code resources!

WeDo and Machines . . . The CHAIN REACTION (Intermediate)

Our grade 8 Design and Computer Science class has created a WeDo chain reaction!  Bouncy balls will travel from station to station in our Learning Commons, each ball launched into the real world by a Scratch program.  This will be a great demonstration of Scratch with huge opportunities to integrate with Grade 4 and Grade 8 machine science units!

The Unofficial Scratch Extensions (Intermediate)

Looking to take your Scratch skills to the next level?  Learn about Scratch X . . the secret extensions to Scratch that can run Arduinos, track the International Space Station . . . follow Twitter Hashtags . . . create games where Scratch tracks movements through the Microsoft Kinnect and so much more!

See you at Meetup: ScratchEdYYC - Coding in our Classrooms

ScratchED YYC -Meetup Group for Scratch Educators

Invite a friend

Simply forward this invite to a friend and have them join the Meetup.

	Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 4:30 PM
	Captain Nichola Goddard School Learning Commons 405 Panatella Blvd NW Calgary, AB Directions

participate | Hour of Code

We are challenging CBE schools to participate in the Hour of Code to celebrate Computer Science Week December 7 – 13. This challenge asks students to spend one hour over the course of the week learning how to code. It is for all students, of all ages, in any discipline. Computer programming and coding is becoming an increasingly important skill for learners and job seekers to know.

If you accept the challenge, here’s how to do it:

step 1 | sign up

Visit the website https://hourofcode.com/ca to sign up your school.

step 2 | plan logistics

First, watch this “How To Run an Hour of Code” video. This activity can be done as a whole school, in select classrooms, or by select students. Decide if you want this to be a whole-school event, or if it will take place in certain classrooms or clubs.

step 3 | plan technology

Ensure that all students participating have a way to access technology (a tablet, computer, or other mobile device will work) for one hour a week to participate in the Hour of Code. You can even participate without access to technology with activities teaching the basics of computer science without the use of any technology.

step 4 | prepare your educators

It’s okay if you and your students are brand new to coding. The Hour of Code uses tutorials that students can progress through at their own pace. The tutorials use various different programming languages to take students through the process of creating code. It is recommended that teachers take the time beforehand to go through the tutorial they select for their students so they can help troubleshoot during the event. Another helpful resource is this Slideshow sharing best practices from educators.

step 5 | promote

Get kids, parents, and community excited about the Hour of Code! Send e-mails to parents! Put up posters around the school! Show inspirational videos!

step 6 | celebrate

Celebrate your students’ accomplishment by giving them a sticker, certificate, or by simply acknowledging their hard work. Share their Hour of Code throughout the world with the hashtag #hourofcode or throughout the CBE with the hashtag #cbehourofcode (making sure you are in accordance with the CBE’s Web 2.0 guidelines). Make this learning visible!

Support is available to help you and your school take on this challenge.

1.     The Hour of Code website includes everything you need to get started.

2.     CBE’s Learning will be offering a webinar to help you get ready, outline resources available to you, and answer your questions on Thursday, November 19^th from 4 – 5pm. Please sign up for this webinar through EAMS.

3.     CBE’s Learning specialists are available to help you troubleshoot any issues you run into during the week of December 7 – 11^th. Please contact them at:

Matt Armstrong, mgarmstrong@cbe.ab.ca
Tracy Dalton, tadalton@cbe.ab.ca
Erin Quinn, elquinn@cbe.ab.ca
Tracy Rand, tmrand@cbe.ab.ca
Christos Sagriotis, chsagriotis@cbe.ab.ca