Day 2: It's Alive

Today was all about computational thinking. Since programming is all about solving problems, we started with a problem -- a monster problem. A new planet has been discovered but it is inhabited by all kinds of monsters. We know the characteristics of the monsters, but we used computational thinking to organize, name, and draw the monsters. We learned the 4 steps of computational thinking:

We applied the steps to our monster problem. First the students determined what kind of monster I had created based on the parameters of our program. Then they created a monster based on algorithms I gave them.

Each group then created their own monster and wrote the algorithm so another group could create that monster just by directions. When groups traded algorithms, they noticed errors in names and spellings that created problems in recreating the monsters. 

The girls enjoyed drawing the monsters, but were frustrated by the limitations of the algorithms we could create. They wanted to make the monsters colorful, have two different nose, to combine to different head styles. We talked about how we would have to write more complex algorithms so that they could be copied by another group and be done exactly. 

They seem right on track for our Day 3 activity. We'll be talking about javascript functions using Kahn Academy. They'll move a print drawing into a digital environment. I can't wait to see what they create.

The other cool thing that happened during the Friday classes is that we met in the computer lab in the Technology Center and it just happened to be the day that the school's 3D printer arrived. The girls got to see the printer in action making a bracelet, chain, and a turkey cookie cutter. Very cool!