3rd Grade
In third grade, students learn about computing systems and how information is transmitted and processed in a computer. They learn how information changes when sent and received over physical or wireless paths. Students learn about networks and the internet. They learn troubleshooting if computers are not working properly.
Students experience hands-on learning working with Botley robots. They complete challenges writing the program to move the Botley past obstacles and to a final flag. They see first-hand how coding and programming operates robots. They learn skills in debugging, perseverance, and teamwork. In the culminating lesson groups create their own challenge for classmates to complete.
Students learn coding on the computer websites code.org and Scratch. They learn about algorithms, functions, conditionals, interactive looping and variables. They write their own code and complete creative projects to share with classmates.
Utilizing the digital citizenship curriculum on Common Sense Education students learn how to be safe online. Every year there is a lesson about cyberbullying and ways to be an upstander. As a class we develop a code of conduct, discuss appropriate behavior and responsibilities while participating in an online community. We discuss being able to Identify and report inappropriate behavior and concerns of cyberbullying. Students identify safe and unsafe examples of online communications. They learn that the information put online leaves a digital footprint. Additionally, students learn about media balance and well-being, privacy and security, being aware of their digital trail, and keeping private information private.
On Unity Day, in conjunction with the digital citizenship lesson about cyberbullying, the 3rd graders all wrote messages showing unity against bullying, both online and in person, on a strip of paper. Students were asked to write what they can do to make their school a safer place for their peers or a quality that makes them unique and proud of who they are as an individual. After visiting all the classes in the district Mrs. Collins collected more than 250 papers during her Enrichment For All classes. Here are some responses: "I stand up to bullies!" "Let us unite and be brave!" "I am an upstander!" In the Webster Groves school district we show unity against bullies by linking together and showing support to students who have been bullied. When we stand together no one stands alone.
