5th Grade

 
 

5th Grade Workshop

Teaching coding is no easy feat, and you’ve done an exceptional job at it this school year! This workshop is designed to help you continue building your confidence with the 9 Dots curriculum during the second half of the year. We’ll begin by reviewing key coding concepts in your grade level’s curriculum, followed by dedicated planning time to ensure you are well-prepared to lead your upcoming coding lessons. Finally, we’ll provide a sneak peek of what’s to come in the Module 3 project your students will work on by the end of the year. As you go through this workshop, use our Graphic Organizer to take notes along the way.

Review Coding Concepts

In module F, students are introduced to text-based coding using JavaScript on PixelBots. In the first module, students are introduced to loops. A loop is a  programming structure or tool, which will allow students to program repeating patterns efficiently. After reviewing loops, students will learn to define and call functions to create reusable code in module 2. Mid-module, students are introduced to parameters, a special kind of variable used in functions that allow customization for a specific need. Let’s explore all three concepts below.

1) Loops

A loop is a programming structure or tool that efficiently repeats a sequence of instructions. When using the loop tool, identified by the pink ‘repeat’ button in JavaScript on PixelBots, you are looking to identify a sequence of code that repeats. We often use loops to repeat a sequence of code to draw patterns like lines and squares.

In lesson 1.05, students learn to identify patterns and use loops in Javascript. Watch this video to learn how to solve a challenge using loops: :

Try solving this challenge from lesson 1.05!

2) Functions

In coding, a function is like a recipe in a cookbook: you define a sequence of code to perform a task and then use it repeatedly by calling its name. This process involves two main steps: defining the function (writing the 'recipe') and then calling it in your code (using the 'recipe'). This is a crucial skill covered in depth throughout the second module.

In lesson 2.01, students are introduced to functions. Watch the video below to learn how to step through a function in a reading challenge:

Try solving this challenge from lesson 2.01!

💡 What are the differences between loops and functions? Note them in your handout.

3) Functions & Parameters

A parameter is a special kind of variable1 used in a function that allows you to customize it for a specific need. In JavaScript on Pixelbots, we focus on utilizing length and color parameters to customize our functions.

In lesson 2.06, students are introduced to functions with one parameter. Watch the video below to learn how to solve a challenge by calling a function with one parameter:

Try solving this challenge from lesson 2.06!

💡 What challenges do you anticipate your students facing when coding with functions or parameters? List them on your handout so you can discuss later with your Coding Coordinator.

For more practice on these concepts, click here to visit the Teacher Certification Modules.

Prepare for your Next Lesson

Level 1 teachers: Select your next lesson. Then, use the pacing guide below to see which section(s) you will lead or if you will be leading the full lesson. If your next lesson is Lesson 1, use Lesson 2 instead.

Level 2 teachers: Select the next full lesson you will lead according to the pacing guide. 

Prepare for your lesson

Use the Graphic Organizer to guide you through your preparation. You’ll review the following resources on the platform:

  1. Review the lesson plan to familiarize yourself with the content
  2. Review the slideshow to see how the content will be delivered
  3. Preview the challenge playlist and attempt to solve the first challenge

Create your action plan!

After preparing for the chosen lesson above, create an action plan for that lesson on your Graphic Organizer. You’ll then do the same for two other upcoming lessons according to your pacing guide. Be prepared to share with the group what lessons you'll be leading and when. This will also be shared with your Coding Coordinator to ensure they support you.

  1. Schedule your next lessons
    • Level 1 teachers: Select estimated dates for your chosen lesson above and lessons 9 & 10.
    • Level 2 teachers: Select estimated dates for your next 3 lessons, including the lesson you prepared above. (As a reminder, your goal is to lead lessons bi-weekly. For example, if you have recently taught lesson 2, you should plan to lead lessons 4 and 6.)
  2. Set one CS teaching goal for each lesson
    • Consider the following questions when setting your goals:
      • What coding concept(s) do I want to feel more confident with by the end of the lesson?
      • How can I support my students through any anticipated challenges?
      • Is there a teaching strategy I want to try during this lesson?

Preview Module 3: PixelBots JS Mystery

With any remaining time you have, take a sneak peek at the project your students are building up to! 

In Module F3, students end the coding year by participating in a fun and creative project, JavaScript Mystery, that has them code their own video game character and solve a hacker mystery. The project has the following requirements, also listed on this project checklist:

  • Code

    • Has at least one function with a color parameter

    • Has at least one function with a length parameter

    • Uses loops where patterns are present

    • Has at least one function with a loop

  • Organization/Readability

    • Organizes code with comments and line breaks

    • Names of functions and parameters match their purpose

  • Design/Creativity 

    • Uses at least 2 colors

    • Fills 50-75% of the grid

This module consists of 10 lessons, guiding students through designing and coding their character and playing the mystery hacker game:

Students will sketch their character & then design it on the 9 Dots platform

Lesson 1

  • Decompose and transfer the character design to PixelBots using pseudocode

Lesson 2

  • Plan and define the functions that will be used in the program

  • Begin writing code to complete the character 

  • Call functions in the program 

Lessons 3-4

  • Continue writing and finalizing code to complete the character

  • Perform code reviews with a partner to collect feedback 

  • Edit the program using a partner’s feedback

  • Review parameters and include a function with parameters in the program 

Lesson 5

  • Team up with a partner to play the mystery game 

  • Collect clues during the game by reviewing a partner’s program & fulfilling project requirements 

  • Use the Guess the Hacker handout (print 1 copy per student) to identify the mystery hacker 

Lessons 6-10

Repeat the same process outlined above, only this time students reflect on their original video game character design to create a villain character.

You can take a deeper look at this module by reviewing the Scope and Sequence here, or via the 9 Dots platform.

Survey

Thank you for attending our Semester II PD! We take teacher feedback seriously, please take our survey here.

Access Resources

Looking for more coding practice?

For more practice please log onto the 9 Dots platform and try our Teacher Certification Modules. These modules will prepare you to lead and learn alongside your students.

Find additional resources at https://www.9dots.org/teacher-guide

Footnotes

[1] A variable is a container for storing information or data

Francisco Montenegro