Due to the lack of STEM-related education opportunities here in Turlock, STEM Learning Education was born. We are piloting with Summer 2018 Coding Camps and hope to offer more STEM-related classes (e.g. robotics, game development, etc) and turn this into a year-long program.
In our context, computer programs are a set of written instructions that a computer can understand and execute. The work that computer programmers produce, computer instructions, is known as the computer code. The act of writing a computer program is called coding or programming.
Don't let the term programming fool you; you probably have been programming household devices and appliances without even realizing it. For example, you may have programmed your garage door opener, TV remote control, set DVR (dare I say VCR) to record a show, program sprinkler system, or even your thermostat. However, just because programming and coding have been around for a long time, it does "not" mean that its importance can be diminished. I've seen friends and colleagues spend hours doing a monotonous task because they didn't know how to do a string extraction using a formula in the spreadsheets.
The use of computers is becoming commonplace in the schools; but, their utilization does not necessarily translate to being able to utilize the technology most effectively. Just as a sharp scalpel is a necessary tool for a surgeon, understanding how to solve a logical problem on computers is essential.
It is important to recognize that computer programming is a profession, and it takes years to master. We've seen college students advance through computer science courses without understanding the fundamental principles until later in their academic career.
Our goal is to expose students to computer science and programming in a fun way. Along their journey, they will learn how to analyze and solve problems systematically. Their mastery of the computer language is inconsequential; but, their ability to create algorithms (step-by-step instructions) to solve problems is paramount.
There are hundreds of different computer languages. Though there are a handful of popular and core programming languages, it is the understanding and comprehension of abstract and intangible ideas that is important. Once the programming concepts and methodologies have been internalized, learning new computer languages can literally be accomplished over a weekend.
Each child starts with a simple lesson and advances through different lessons at their own pace. Regardless of the learning track (syntax based or block coding), they need to implement algorithms (step-by-step computer instructions) to solve problems in increasing complexity.
Children are given the opportunity to think through and solve the problems on their own to help strengthen the neural pathways needed for solving more complicated logical problems.
There are hundreds of computer programming languages that are different in many forms; but, for our purposes, we'll categorize them into two parts. One part is drag & drop visual programming environment and the other is typed computer instruction, which we call syntax based coding.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) introduced the visual programming environment called Scratch. Students drag & drop code blocks onto a canvas. Similar to the way photo puzzle piece must be organized, scratch instruction blocks are forced into a structure and "snap" into place. Because students have a preexisting mental model, they are able to recognize a set of computer programming patterns that aid them in learning key fundamentals of grouping computer instructions.
Similar to Scratch coding model, the students with CodeMonkey will click on CoffeeScript instruction icons to place them onto their canvas during programming. This relieve the need to know how to type, which is a skill that even many adults lack. However, as kids progress through their lesson plan, at times they will find that it might be easier to type an instruction. For example, the act of clicking back space on the keyboard and then using a mouse to click on several objects is more work then typing the expression a=5. This also has the added benefit of seeing real algebraic algebraic expressions in action.
Kids that are 7 years old should be in the Scratch program. If your child is getting ready for middle school or junior high school STEM program; then the syntax-based curriculum offered in CodeMonkey is a better choice.
Kids can work through both camps. CodeMonkey introduces students to the idea of measuring distance and degrees of rotations, which will be the new concept to the younger audience.
Students will be challenged, guided, encouraged, and motivated to learn computer programming regardless of the track you choose. The goal is to help them learn while having fun. The choice between the two really comes down to personal preference.
Assyrian American Civic Club (small banquet room; easily accessible from the east side [back] of the facility) 2618 N. Golden State Blvd, Turlock CA
To transfer the savings to parents, the venue is held at a local event center. If there is enough demand (and we hope Turlock is ready for it), we shall look for a permanent location to offer year-round STEM Learning Education.
Safety and security of children is very important to us.
Children will be under supervision at all times except when they need to use the restroom. For restroom breaks, they will be asked to use a buddy system (pair with similar age buddy) so that they are not alone.
There will be at least one adult trained in first-aid/CPR on site. The medical information will be made available to emergency personnel in case of an emergency.
The summer 2018 camp is a pilot program to STEM enrichment.
If there is enough demand then we will offer additional courses (e.g. robotics, game design, space exploration, etc) year-round and offer discounts due to additional session enrollments, sibling, dual membership (i.e. scouting).
At this time, as a pilot program, no further discounts are provided.
Franchises like Code Ninja and other stem enrichment opportunities are sprouting all over the country; but, is Turlock ready for this opportunity?
Please post messages on your social media and inform friends & educators about this pilot program.
By the end of the year we will know if there is enough demand to support such program.
How do Astronotes raise plants in a microgravity environment?
How does raising a plant in space is different than the one on the surface of our planet?
These and many other questions are presented and students work in a large group to research growth patterns of their seeds that are aligned with the next generation science standards. The seeds will be grown and monitored locally as well as remotely on the International Space Station (ISS).
Kids stuff? Absolutely! But is Turlock ready for these STEM opportunities or are we a little ahead of our time?
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We have preconfigured computers for students to utilize; therefore, they do not need to bring a personal computer with them.
The lesson plans are part of the application software that students will utilize; so, no textbooks will be used or provided.
Additionally, due to nature of lesson progression, there is no need for any form of writing pads or utensils.
The only thing your child needs is comfortable cloths and a satisfied belly for a three hour session.
The coding camp is for five days, and three hours per day;l totaling to 15 hours per registered session. Students will not be working continuously for three-hour sessions. Studies show that frequent breaks yield higher retention. Furthermore, real-world programmers often need to walk away from a problem before they can try to solve it.
Due to nature of the venue, kids will not be allowed to go outside the event center. The only exception to this rule is for children needing a bathroom break, in which they must be accompanied by a similar age buddy.