STEM Resource Guides

Can coding help students advance in reading, math, and science? We say yes. Coding helps develops students’ analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. And, those skills are critical in all subjects—and in life. If you’re a beginning coder yourself or interested in helping move the coding program along in your library, check out this Resource Guide from littleBits and SLJ.  

Top Coding picks from littleBits
 

Build Games, Have Fun, Learn Code

littleBits is supercharging the Coding Revolution with their new Code Kit -- the very first game-based coding and engineering toolbox for education. Check out our Code Kit Educator Resources to learn more. littleBits founder & CEO Ayah Bdeir explains how Code Kit teaches coding fundamentals. 

Lesson 1: Unplugged - Inputs vs. Outputs

Students will complete an unplugged activity to understand the concept of inputs vs. outputs. This is a great activity to do before introducing the inputs and outputs code tutorials. 

Lesson 2: ABCs of Coding

Students will understand the basic premise of coding (creating a program and pushing it to hardware) by manipulating the LED matrix in the littleBits Code Kit.


 

Lesson 3: Guess My Rule 

Students will code a “Guess My Rule” game where they build function machines. Choose to follow the beginner or intermedaite version of the lesson based on the coding abilities of your students.

Idea Starters from SLJ
 

Going Rogue to Teach Code: A school librarian offers strategies for teaching every age group

At the elementary level, where the primary goal is exposure to computational thinking and concepts, educators make use of a wide range of tools—some purchased, some free. Read more

 

Code.org launches new video series: How Computers Work

Recently Bill Gates kicked off a new Code.org series How Computers Work. Learn more

Top Tools for Computer Science Learning, AR/VR, and Game Design

Teachers are eager to bring computer skills into the classroom. But with a dizzying array of online tools to choose from, figuring out where to start is anything but obvious. To help navigate the ever-evolving terrain, School Library Journal hosted an hour-long conversation with four respected K–12 educators who teach coding and computer science. Learn more

 

Building Sustainable Coding Programs

You don’t need tech chops to put together an impactful coding program at your library. Over three weeks you’ll learn from leading companies, organizations, and public and school libraries how to design and launch a sustainable coding program that supports digital literacy and 21st Century skills, and has the power to transform your community. Learn more

Related Reading from SLJ

Additional Resources

 

 

 

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