computational thinking & stem = pbl in action

LEARN HOW INTEGRATING COMPUTATIONAL THINKING AND STEM RESULT IN AUTHENTIC PROJECT BASED

LEARNING FOR YOUR STUDENTS.  

SUSAN S. WELLSP R E S I D E N T- E L E C T 2 0 1 5 - 1 6 F O R I S T E M O B I L E L E A R N I N G

N E T W O R K

H T T P : / / W W W. S U S A N S W E L L S . C O M H T T P : / / W W W. C A M P T E C H T E R R A . C O M

H T T P S : / / W W W. L I N K E D I N . C O M / I N / S U S A N S W E L L S W E L L S S U S A N S @ G M A I L . C O M

@ W E L L S S U S A N

Computational Thinking & STEM = PBL in Action

What is computational thinking?

Computational thinking is a way of solving problems, designing systems, and understanding human behavior.

What is STEM?

STEM refers to the academic disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. They are focused together because of their deep connections to the real world. Students learn most effectively with this kind of interdisciplinary and applied focus.

What is PBL?

Project-Based Learning is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges. With this type of active and engaged learning, students are inspired to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they are studying.

Quick results of using CT –Focusing on insights

Analyzing situations

Drawing conclusions

Long term result of using CT –Problems solved creatively

Innovative digital tech tools for PBL*Robotics

Cubetto Robot

Dash & Dot Robots

The Finch Robot

*Digitally and physically integrated toys

3D Makerbot Printer

Osmo

Cardboard

Goal of CT + STEM = Authentic PBL

Integration of computational thinking and STEM skills across content areas to solve global problems

Example… Computational Thinking Concept and STEM Application = PBL

Example: Lack of Water Around the World

Computational Thinking Concept- Break a problem into parts or steps STEM Application- Break down global drought crisis areas and determine how drought conditions

are impacting the communities

Computer Science Application- Recognize and find patterns or trends STEM Application- Visualize data comparing water need conditions in parts of the world

Computer Science Application- Develop instructions to solve a problem or steps for a task with data STEM Application- Determine target global water crisis areas based on data, make a plan to help

alleviate water crisis

Resources

Operational Definition Computational Thinking

http://csta.acm.org/Curriculum/sub/CurrFiles/CompThinkingFlyer.pdf

https://www.iste.org/explore/articledetail?articleid=152

Computational Thinking for Educators

https://computationalthinkingcourse.withgoogle.com/preview

Susan S. Wells Outreach Coordinator for K-12 Education, Shodor, National Resource

for Computational Science Education  President-Elect 2015-16 for ISTE Mobile Learning Network Founder, Camp TechTerra TM and TechTerra TrainingTM, bringing

together technology and nature in STEM-based discovery Consultant on educational technology for K-12

websitehttp://www.susanswells.comhttp://www.camptechterra.comtwitter@wellssusanContact mewellssusans@gmail.com919-627-4207

Thank you!