Kindergarten STEM Experience using Dash and Dot
Here is the write up I submitted to Superintendent Mary Gormley's Milton Public School March 3rd E-Blast. This is a very exciting opportunity to share the integration of STEM and Technology in the elementary Kindergarten classroom. http://blog.miltonps.org/?p=2515
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| Twitter @WonderWorkshop |
Kindergarten STEM Experience using Dash and Dot
Written By: Sara Doherty, Elementary Instructional Technology Specialist
This year the Kindergarten classes at all four elementary schools are using Dash and Dot robots! Dash and Dot provide a fun and interactive way for students to learn about coding and robotics.
Dash and Dot are an innovative learning tool that incorporates Science and STEM, as well as other subjects. Elementary Science Coordinator, Bernadette Butler, decided to purchase the robots for the Kindergarten classes when awarded the funds from the 2015 MFE Celebration Full STEAM Ahead.
Last year, Maureen McClain, Kindergarten teacher at Cunningham, piloted the Dash and Dot robot experience with her students. Maureen’s insight and ideas have been invaluable in helping to launch the use of Dash and Dot in the Kindergarten classes this year.
So far, students have explored robotics using the Go App. To use the Dash and Dot robots students connect the robot to an iPad, where they control the robot’s movement similar to using a remote control car. Using the Go app, students first explored the different robot features of Dash and Dot. They learned how to turn the lights on and off, change the color of the lights, play sounds, and record their own sounds using their voice.
Next, students learned how to move Dash! Kindergarten students have learned how to code using Dash. I created coding cards for students to place on the floor as a path for Dash to follow. The giggles and excitement were contagious when students first started to drive Dash around the floor!
By using Dash and Dot, students are learning problem solving skills and working collaboratively to complete a task. All while having a fun and hands-on experience incorporating STEM in the classroom.
Next up in our Dash and Dot adventures will be using the Path app, where students can measure their route or path while incorporating Math skills. We also have the Xylophone accessories and I am looking forward to integrating the Xylo app into the curriculum as well. Dash can play his own xylophone!
To learn more about Dash and Dot visit the following website https://www.makewonder.com/ and you can also follow Dash and Dot on Twitter @WonderWorkshop.
For more information on Elementary Technology in the Milton Public Schools, visit my website at https://sites.google.com/site/mrssaradoherty/home. You can also see technology project ideas on my blog http://elementarytech411.blogspot.com/. I am also on Twitter @saradoherty411, where I tweet about the latest ideas for technology in education.
Here are pictures of Kindergarten students using Dash to learn robotics and coding.
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K students at Cunningham learn how to turn Dash's lights on and off.
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| K students at Collicot record their voice using the Go app. |
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K students at Glover drive Dash along a path using coding cards.
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K students at Tucker explore how to change the color of Dash's lights.
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