Scratch is a project out of MIT and they have a website where students
can share their projects and ideas. It is open source and available for
Windows, Mac, and Linux. This is a great way to introduce students to
real programming while minimizing the frustrations that syntax can
create.
John Caballero
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School
-----Original Message-----
From: A forum for independent school educators
[mailto:ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Guy Haas
Sent: Friday, February 08, 2008 1:40 PM
To: ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Re: Programming Curriculum in Middle School
Carol -
I'm researching/teaching introductory programming and computer science
at a
non-profit organization (www.BFOIT.org). We are attempting to increase
the
diversity in UC computer science and engineering programs, which means
we
target female, African American, Hispanic, first-to-attend-college in
their families,
etc... students. Because of this, our students tend to be those
skeptical of
pursuing CS and engineering programs. And this has a major effect on
how I
present the material. I want all students to see that programming
(actually
structured thought) can be useful even if they decide not to pursue a
career as
a programmer/computer scientist.
Checkout: http://www.bfoit.org/itp/itp.html
I bring it up only because you have mentioned an interest in a couple of
dialects of Logo. The course is based on a dialect that I'm working on.
It's
intent is to prepare a student for AP CS, thus Java. So, it is written
in Java
and has some Java-oriented concepts blended in with UC Berkeley Logo and
the multiple-turtles feature of Microworlds.
A word of warning: it is a work in progress, but it is also being used
in public
schools - I get e-mail questions/suggestions every few days. I am
nearing the
end of a comprehensive re-write and part of this pass includes providing
an
"Instructor Notes" section.
You might be able to use bits/pieces of it with either Microworlds or
Starlogo.
Also, since this is research on my part, I may be able to add more
introductory
content if this is needed in your case, and you can provide the
suggestions.
guy
----- Original Message -----=20
From: "Carol" <csukonec@PENNCHARTER.COM>
Subject: Programming Curriculum in Middle School
>
> I am interested in creating a middle school course in programming.
Scratch
> is already being introduced in our enrichment program in our lower
school.
> Programs I am considering are Alice, Starlogo, Microworlds, HTML. If
anyone
> is teaching a programming course(s) either as part of the curriculum
or in
> an after school setting I would like to hear what you are teaching. If
there
> is a written curriculum would you be willing to share it? Are there
other
> programs you might suggest I consider?
>=20
> Carol : )
>=20
> Carol Hoffman Sukoneck
> MS Technology Coordinator
> Wm Penn Charter School
> 3000 W School House Lane
> Philadelphia, PA 19144
> 215-844-3460
> http://www.penncharter.com
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