Computer class can and should be more than just the basics of typing and the understanding of how to use web applications. Computer class should be fun. Why? Because when your students are engaged, they’re learning. And that’s what it’s all about.
We’re going to go over five fun projects to use in your computer class. Not only are these activities engaging, they’re cross-curricular, and meet Common Core, AP, and Computer Science standards. Better yet? They include strategies to build communication and critical thinking skills.
Projects we’ll go over in this article are:
Create a Filter
Make a Meme
Bestie Greeting Card
Code the News
Climate Clock
Let’s get to it!
Create a Filter
Using the basics of JavaScript, your students will create fun, unique filters for videos that reflect their abilities and personalities. They can use the videos provided by Vidcode, or they can use videos of themselves. Sign up to assign Create a Filter to your class, or visit vidcode.com/project/filters.
Reflection Questions
Who is a programmer?
What is a function?
What is an argument?
Standards Addressed
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP7 Look for and make use of structure.
NGSS Practice 5 Using mathematics and computational thinking
CSTA 1B-AP-11 Decompose (break down) problems into smaller, manageable subproblems to facilitate the program development process.
CSTA 1B-AP-15 Test and debug (identify and fix errors) a program or algorithm to ensure it runs as intended.
Make a Meme
Memes have changed the way we communicate - often with a sense of humor. This is a project your students will love! Your students will use JavaScript to embellish a video with graphics and text. Sign up to assign Create a Filter to your class, or visit vidcode.com/project/graphics.
Reflection Questions
What is a project?
What is a method?
Standards Addressed
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP6 Attend to precision.
CSTA 1B-AP-09 Create programs that use variables to store and modify data.
CSTA 1B-AP-11 Decompose (break down) problems into smaller, manageable subproblems to facilitate the program development process.
CSTA 1B-AP-14 Observe intellectual property rights and give appropriate attribution when creating or remixing programs.
CSTA 1B-AP-15 Test and debug (identify and fix errors) a program or algorithm to ensure it runs as intended.
Bestie Greeting Card
Help your students spread the love by creating a greeting card!
This is a special hour of code project. Using JavaScript, your students will create a greeting card while learning about pixels and placing them on an x-y grid, using and writing functions, and changing function values to create different effects. Use Bestie Greeting Card with your class.
Reflection Questions
How would you explain creative coding to a friend?
What did you learn during this hour of code?
Standards Addressed
CSTA 1B-AP-09 Create programs that use variables to store and modify data.
CSTA 1B-AP-10 Create programs that include sequences, events, loops, and conditionals.
CSTA 1B-AP-15 Test and debug (identify and fix errors) a program or algorithm to ensure it runs as intended.
CSTA 1B-IC-21 Use public domain or creative commons media, and refrain from copying or using material created by others without permission.
CSTA 1B-IC-18 Discuss computing technologies that have changed the world, and express how those technologies influence, and are influenced by, cultural practices.
Code the News
In this Hour of Code projects, students follow the provided tutorial that walks them through the basics of JavaScript, functions, and other programming basics.
In this project, we offer extension activities beyond just the hour of code, allowing students to dive deeper into the meanings of conditionals and functions. During the activity, students are encouraged to explain their thinking to their classmates using small-group and whole-group discussion questions. Use Code the News with your class.
Reflection Questions
Does code look like you expected? Is it easier/harder?
What is a function?
What is an argument?
Are you impressed your code is looking more advanced?
Standards Addressed (a handful, because so many are addressed across the curriculum!)
Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Next Generation Science Standards for Engineering Practices
Practice 1 Defining problems
Practice 2 Developing and using models
Practice 3 Planning and carrying out investigations
CSTA
CT.L2-01 - Use the basic steps in algorithmic problem-solving to design solutions (e.g., problem statement and exploration, examination of sample instances, design, implementing a solution, testing, evaluation).
CT.L2-03 - Define an algorithm as a sequence of instructions that can be processed by a computer.
CT.L2-04 - Evaluate ways that different algorithms may be used to solve the same problem.
CT.L2-07 - Represent data in a variety of ways including text, sounds, pictures, and numbers.
Climate Clock
Give your students the chance to use programming to change the world. In this Climate Clock project, students address the climate crisis.
Climate Clocks give a visual representation of just how urgent the climate crisis is. In this project students will create their own climate clocks. Your students will use JavaScript’s Date object to keep track of years, months, days, hours, seconds, and even milliseconds.
Students will also be introduced to modulo, the important math behind keeping the units used in the code straight. Use Climate Clock with your class.
Reflection Questions
What is some other information that you think would be useful in a Climate Clock?
What else do you think is important to keep track of?
How can engaging in work like this make a difference?
Standards Addressed
CSTA 3-5.AP.08 Compare and refine multiple algorithms for the same task and determine which is the most appropriate.
CSTA 6-8.AP.11 Create clearly named variables that store data, and perform operations on their contents.
CSTA 6-8.AP.13 Decompose problems and subproblems into parts to facilitate the design, implementation, and review of programs.
CSTA 6-8.AP.16 Incorporate existing code, media, and libraries into original programs, and give attribution.
Conclusion
Your students are the future of coding and programming. They deserve awesome instructors like you to facilitate learning experiences that are applicable to real life. Thankfully, Vidcode has made this easier for everyone by offering these five fun and engaging coding projects for your students. These five programming projects cover cross-curricular standards, supported by critical thinking discussion prompts. These projects will introduce important coding skills to your students as they get a taste for how their coding abilities can impact the world around them.
