Coding: where to begin?
Coding is not difficult. It must be correct though, otherwise the program does things you didn’t intend to, or it doesn’t do anything at all.
If you are new to coding and you need to teach it for the first time, you may feel unsure. Like for all other activities in the CS4A curriculum, the Teachers Guides give extensive software tips, and we give completed activities in the teacher’s installation of the curriculum.
Best to prepare well and learn along with the learners.
Software
The software is on the CS4A disk that is supplied with the curriculum. It is also downloadable for free.
Grade 1 – 3 use Scratch. This is coding with blocks.
Grade 4 – 7 use m-Block. It feels very similar to Scratch, but you can add a device, which is what we need for Robotics, and you can also see the Python conversion straight away.
Hardware
The activities on Robotics require some hardware to work with the coding software. The hardware needs to be bought extra.
The robotics in education landscape is in flux so one needs to investigate prices and availability at the time of purchase. Make sure that the hardware works with mBlock.
You may want to introduce the basics with a breadboard and digital components, using the Arduino Uno. Enjoy the field of Robotics, there’s a whole new world, and once you get into it, the sky’s the limit!
Coding is part of the CS4A School Curriculum
Anyone can learn coding! Our step by step instructions take the teacher by the hand, no experience necessary. For Grade 1 – 7.
Coding is utilised in nearly every industry, requiring more and more skilled workers every year. Prepare learners so they can contribute and engage in a society that is largely unknown to us now.
Coding teaches flexi skills like problem-solving, logical thinking and finding errors, even teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Coding is utilised in nearly every industry, requiring more and more skilled workers every year. Prepare learners so they can contribute and engage in a society that is largely unknown to us now.
Coding teaches flexi skills like problem-solving, logical thinking and finding errors, even teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Can you recognise the three main concepts in coding, namely: sequences, selections, and loops?
Site Licence for one year
R3500 for Grade 1 – 7
There is one printed Teachers Guide plus a disk with files to get going. Once they have the basics, teachers can login to our website to access more activities.
This is an annual fee. 20% discount for consecutive years as new activities are uploaded.
NB Not available per Grade.
