By: Aylani
Monday, December 19, 2016
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Fifth Grade Project Yellowstone part 3
By: Aylani and Rubi
Posted by banra at 11:33 AM 0 comments
Labels: 3, computer, fifth, grade, part, project, yellowstone
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Fifth Grade Project Everglades part 2
By:Osvaldo
Posted by banra at 12:18 AM 0 comments
Labels: 2, computer, everglades, fifth, grade, part, project
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Fifth Grade Project Everglades part2
By: Ricardo
Posted by banra at 3:57 PM 0 comments
Labels: 2, computer, everglades, fifth, grade, part, project
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Fifth Grade Project Yellowstone part 1
By: Rubi and Aylani
Posted by banra at 12:14 AM 0 comments
Labels: 1, computer, fifth, grade, part, project, yellowstone
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Friday, April 15, 2016
Fifth Grade Project Everglades part 1
By: Ricardo
Posted by banra at 1:07 AM 0 comments
Labels: 1, computer, everglades, fifth, grade, part, project
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Algorithms Doing the Robot Part 1

In the class we are stuck with C++. There are good and bad things about this as a teaching language - I get a lot of strong opinions from folks about it. It is the language my county has chosen for this level of programming, so that is a debate for another day.
One benefit is the mechanics of creating a method are very similar to Java, and most of my students move on to take the APCS course.
Looking back over what we did last year overall they did learn the mechanics of methods. This is one of those topics that you teach, and you think they get it, and then three weeks later they have forgotten the whole business. For the current APCS course this is a big problem since the framework for most free response questions is a method.
On the other hand we got a bit too bogged down with C++ and didnt spend enough time on algorithms. It is easy to do, I have taught C++ since it was the AP language over a decade ago and I have a ton of materials developed. As most people with small children know, February is flu/strep month so I was out a fair bit while we were covering this topic, and C++ worksheets make super sub-plans.
Algorithms are one of the core Big Ideas of CS Principles. The Learning Objectives that relate are:
LO 17: The student can develop an algorithm.
LO 21: The student can explain how programs implement algorithms.
These are being assessed though the Programming Portfolio. The Programming Portfolio item states that students must include "a description of the algorithms these programs implement". So at a minimum they need to be aware fo when they have developed an algorithm and articulate what it does.
You can find the full collection of CS Principles documents here. Many are still works in progress, but you can get a sense of where the course is going.
So this year I am trying to move beyond just teaching code and do more activities to build algorithmic thinking. More on that tomorrow.
Posted by banra at 10:00 AM 0 comments
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Computer Memory is an Important Part of the Computer
Random access memory or RAM is the same thing as your computer memory. RAM is the main memory center, so essentially, it is the most important. The reason RAM is so crucial is that it is used to store your files and programs and it affects many other computer aspects as well.
DDR computer memory can be bought to increase the amount of memory you have, but first you will want to learn a little more about your computer. Understanding how it works will help you work better with your computer.
The more RAM computer memory your computer has, the faster it will work for you. If you find that youre computer has been very slow lately, you might want to look into buying some DDR for it. If you arent sure what to buy or how to install it, its best to let a professional do it this time around. You will find that all electronic stores that sell RAM will offer optional installation services for a small fee. If you choose this option, it would be a great idea to ask them exactly what they did so you can do it yourself if the need ever arises again.
But, if you know a little something already about computer memory, why not install your DDR program yourself? It will save you some time and money and your computer will be back to working at optimal speed in no time. Either route you choose, dont neglect the health of your computer. If it starts working differently than it ever has, get it checked out or troubleshoot the problem yourself. This will ensure that it stays working great for years to come.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Fifth Grade Project Everglades part 3
By: Gregorio
Posted by banra at 11:15 AM 0 comments
Labels: 3, computer, everglades, fifth, grade, part, project