I liked the paired programming concept, so I most enjoyed the in-person training work. I felt most comfortable with module 1 because we had time to fully explore those lessons and many extensions. We are trying to figure out the logistics of doing the 20-hour code.org programming basics and then 2+ weeks for modules 1 and 3.
My favorite experiences were the ones that challenged us to complete tasks and then complete bonus tasks if we finished early. The completion of the tasks felt rewarding and boosted the classâ confidence. Even more, I liked learning from others how to complete a task I couldnât and seeing how others chose to tweak their model.
My favorite modules were one and two. The reason being that these modules set the stage and really catch your interest into learning and exploring the other modules.
I was looking forward to the in-person training after completing the on-line lessons. I felt that my training spent a lot of time on classroom management rather than on coding. Once we got to the coding, I enjoyed both of the modules I worked on (1 and 3).
I remember enjoying the fourth module the best. I can see practical applications and connections to the regular Science curriculum. After speaking with Science teachers, I concluded that an appropriate time to cover this module would be at the beginning of the second semester. This way, the students would already have some experience with the Table of Elements and my class (a general STEM class) could serve the role of review of concepts before the Science MSA is administered.
I agree that a lot of time was spent on classroom management rather than on coding. I think it would be more beneficial to split the groups between people interested in the management aspect and those who have other needs. I understand that for many people, the management of a program such as Project GUTS would be a change, but for others, they are accustomed to managing a classroom which is project-based and incorporates technology on a daily basis. I would have appreciated an option where we could go more in-depth with the coding aspect.
After completing module 1, I spent time on module 3-ecosystems. I believe the students will be able to witness the relationship between prey and predators. After some time I was able to manipulate the terrain by adding more prey or more predators and also increasing and decreasing the food supply. I did take some time and patience to change the turtles and their movement. I learned that a simple change in directions can totally change the number and behavior of each species.
Thinking back to the in person experience , I thought that all three modules were just as exciting as the one I selected. I selected to complete that module that allowed me to determine the population of the Agents inside it. We were able to see how the food chain affects the population.
I had so much fun with the Intro and the Chemical Reactions modules! My partner and I did a lot of âplayingâ with the different aspects of the chemical reactions one and we even made evaporation, the correct ions, and created the increase of concentration when the water evaporated. It was so wonderful being given the free time to just investigate and learn!
Thinking back more than a month ago, I really enjoyed seeing the different aspects of how programming can fit in all realms of science. I am a physical science teacher and module 4 really came to life to see the interaction of copper strip and nitrate solution interacting with silver ion solution to form copper nitrate, copper nitrite, hydrate molecules.
I had a positive experience with module 1, lesson 4 after redoing it. The next day, I was able to explain it and help someone else. When working with the lessons, I discovered that I have to reread and redo.
I remember being challenged and enjoying Module 3 on Ecosystems. I had a really good experience with it. I canât necessarily say it is the module that I have the best experience with since I didnât really get to explore Module 2 and 4, and rushed through Module 1 due to a late start with the training. Regardless, I really enjoyed the Module 3 because I liked how I can model different phenomenon in regards to the topic such as seeing how the initial number of predator and prey (a high or low population) will affect the population of the rest of the organisms throughout the rest of the simulation.
The Phase 2 in person training made connections for me between the coding and the curriculum. In Module 1 of our Orange County CA training, I began to see how the coding lessons could be used to teach junior high school students science. My students will benefit greatly from having the knowledge of the way computers respond to their code. In addition, they will be able to understand the scientific method in a way never possible before.
The fourth module gave me the hardest time⌠However, I had the opportunity to figure out multiple things. Once I dismissed the water, I realized that I was on to something⌠Only, I wasnât sure what. After an hour or so I found my metal going up in bubble form and thought that was amazing. I canât wait to see if I can create a pile of some sort.
I liked the Ecosystems module because I loved that it was very simple and very complex.
I really enjoyed working with my partner on Module 3. I feel like I can definitely do this module in my classroom. I think it will enhance my studentsâ understanding of the topic.
I definitely remember being somewhat frustrated with StarLogo Nova at different points, however, I felt much more comfortable with the program after being allowed to experiment during the breakout sessions. I was in the ecosystems group and it was amazing what I could come up with after just âplaying aroundâ in the program. I also picked this specific session because I felt it would be most applicable in my classroom. The students will love to see ecosystems translate into a computer simulation.
I think I had the most fun with Module 1 - just learning the basics of javascript with the turtle flowers. This is because I had never done anything like this before.
I was most challenged on Module 3 when we had to create the simulations ourselves and customize them to a given topic.
I know that I will need to make sure all of my students have a good grasp on Module 1 before we can do anything else, and I will work with the science teachers on my campus to see which additional module is the best fit with their curriculum when we are ready.
I played around with water as a shared resource module. It was interesting and could be relevant in this era of limited resources. There were many glitches with the program that I would have had great difficulty troubleshooting if not for the instructor.
I participated in the water resources module. It shows how using extra water affects the wells performance and the availability for other users.