Summer SAVY 2018: Session 5, Day 3 – Intro to Programming (Rising 2nd)
Hello SAVY Parents!
We had a very productive Wednesday in our Intro to Programming course!
Today, we learned about the importance of teamwork! We started the day reflecting on what it means to work as a team. How do I work with others to complete a task? What roles can I take on in a team setting? How can I help my team run efficiently?
Students continued their systems lesson, using the modern computer system as a model. We considered once more the amazing potential of computers; for example, after watching an Amazon Alexa ad, we deduced that computers have the ability to connect us to the ones we love. In another video, we met the “Cheetah 3”; a team from MIT developed a robot that can maneuver around obstacles without the use of visual sensors! What real life obstacles do machines have to overcome in different environments? Can we train a robot to do jobs that are too dangerous for humans?
In the computer lab, students learned about pair programming, where two programmers work together at one workstation. In pairs, students assumed either a “driver” position (the person with the keyboard who focused on the details of a program) or a “navigator” position (the person who focused on the big picture of a program and guided the driver). After going over pair programming etiquette, students made tremendous progress on their code.org puzzles! Two heads are better than one!
Students took their pair programming skills back to the classroom as they learned to draw shapes, letters, and words with their Sphero robots. They also began maneuvering their robots through an obstacle course, and will continue to do so for the remainder of the week.
Parents, please consider visiting our Parent Open House this Friday from 9:15-9:45 AM in the Wyatt 050-3! Your SAVY scholars would love to share their questions, accomplishments, and future programming plans with you in person!
We hope to see you soon,
-Mrs. Byrd and Maya
Programming Our Spheros
