Dashes and Dots are regular themes in RTF projects and whenever we review a project it becomes even more apparent why! Teachers are enthusiastic to give students a real world connection to theoretical computer science problems. Dashes and Dots not only provide this real world connection, but do it in a fun way that resonates with students. As Mrs. Sutherland described in her proposal:
Coding is a 21st century skill that children need to be exposed to at an early age. As a STEM teacher I hope to give my children access to various engineering skills. This project will expose students to computer science engineering.
The children will be filled with wonder as they learn to code with Dash and Dot.
I hope to have stations set up for early finishers and maker space activities where students can create and challenge themselves through coding with Dash and Dot. Dash will be used throughout the school year with the whole class. The students will learn how to use variables and loops within their code. The students can become innovators as they create programs. They will use the accessories to build and become innovative through designing new ways a robot could help them.
Mrs. Sutherland explains how 500 3rd to 5th graders at her school will “develop a sense of love for computer science.” and how she “can’t wait to watch them thrive and grow through coding with Dash and Dot.” Mrs. Sutherland has uniquely combined artistic and geography lessons with the coding exercises. What a great way to learn a variety of subjects while building STEM skills!
Mrs. Sutherland shared her thanks:
Thank you so much for your donation to my project. The students have had so much fun exploring with the Dash through multiple activities.
Fifth graders built a museum model and developed a program that allowed Dash to be the tour guide for their museum. The students learned the basics of programming thanks to you. They are super excited to use Dash again and ask everyday.
Third graders built a map of SC showing the regions and river systems. They programmed Dash to go through SC and state facts about each region. The students learned about algorithms, loops, and events. They had a great time using Dash. They can’t wait to use him again.
Thanks again for your donation!
With gratitude,
Mrs. Sutherland
We for one really enjoyed sharing in the excitement that the Dashes and Dots brought to South Carolina. Students building STEM skills and learning a variety of other subjects at the same time! They’re also able to see the fruit of their labors in real time and can’t wait to keep learning! We can’t wait to hear more about their engineering, scientific, computer programming and other careers in the future!
The students were especially artistic in their letters!
I’ve had a good time with dash!
We really enjoy him!
We play him all the time thank you!
Dash is very fun and fun!
We’re thrilled to have made an impact on the community of Starr, SC and its students and couldn’t thank 3M more for matching our donations! Check out our blog, twitter and facebook pages for other editions of #RTFSharesThanks!
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We’re trying to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities by helping introduce students to technology jobs and end generational poverty. Interested in making an impact in your community? E-mail us or consider donating to our general fund or contributing to our patreon.
