High school National Honor Society and computer science students helped elementary school students drive BOLT.
KINGSLEY — The second annual Kingsley-Pierson Elementary Computer Science Festival, held on November 23, builds on the success of the 2021 event by demonstrating the technology available to students in grades K-4. I had a look at it.
“Last year, we thought it was very interesting for our students, so we decided to bring the Computer Science Festival to Kingsley Pearson Elementary School again this year,” said Jenny Spooner, Kingsley Pearson CSD K-12 Instructional Coach. “This year we were also able to bring in high school students from the National Honor Society to support our younger students and presenters. The students enjoyed their rotation last year and felt they were eager for more computer science tools to prepare them for the future.”
Students weren’t the only ones who learned at last year’s festival.
(Photo courtesy) Thanks to the Iowa State Extension Office, students were able to build and fly parachutes.
“Last year, teachers were able to walk around all the stations and see, ask questions and learn from different robots with their students. and I was able to see how it could benefit different careers,” Spooner said. “I think the teachers were also shocked by the students’ involvement in this festival and the excitement that filled the gymnasium.”
The goal of this year’s festival was to inspire students and get them interested in computer science.
Quite a few new stations have been added to the mix this year.
RTI’s Slater Ohm showed students how to operate a 4D computer.
“One of the new attractions this year is Titan Machinery showing how they are using technology in their equipment and Woodbury County Sheriff’s Department showing how carriers are using drones to do things more efficiently. “We had a lot of fun,” said Spooner. “All students were able to experience Titan Machinery Equipment and Woodbury County Sheriff’s Department and their drones.”
This year’s activities took place in the school’s auditorium, gymnasium, New Commons and practice soccer field.
Other new stations included CSI, a technology integration company in North Sioux City, South Dakota, that showcased how students are using technology in their careers. Together, the students worked hard to open the lockbox containing the surprise.
(Photo courtesy) Siouxland News’ Taylor Deckert showed students how to interview a news station.
During the break, Northwest AEA consultants Mark Shea and Jordan Menning explained to students and volunteers what it means to prepare for the future. Technology coaches Erin Chute and Amanda Beyer both assisted the station.
Northwest STEM Regional Manager Mary Trent helped run the Ozobot station.
RTI-Riverside Technology Inc. of North Sioux City showed students how to use a 3D computer to observe the human heart.
Spooner added, “There were Indies, Cubelets, Ozobots, Spherobolt robots that students used to explore and code.”
A KMEG news station was waiting to show students how green screens work and how technology is used to deliver news.
Megan Plendl, a local parent and school board member, brought her computer to show children how the app helps farmers and cooperatives set prices for grain. I was.
School board member Angie Huggin volunteered to help students at various stations that day.
“Christine Craig-Beyerink, Youth Outreach Coordinator at the Woodbury County ISU Extension Office, showed students how to teach the design process and how to give them the time and resources to build the best flying parachutes. continued Spooner.
Agri-Business’s Lonnie Ploeger also shared his time helping Japanese students.
“Our art, music, and PE teachers all ran stations, from loop line dancing, to making music on Chromebooks, to art on iPads,” Spooner added.
Local businesses also contributed in other ways.
MidStates Bank provided snacks and drinks for all students.
UBI donated Casey’s donuts to volunteers.
Plendl Feed/Hometown Pantry donated water, juice and cinnamon rolls for volunteers.
The festival inspired both students and teachers.
Kindergarten teacher Mindy Dunn said: We were watching drones outside. They had already built an internal station. ”
“My kindergarten kids were so excited to group with kids from other grades and classes. They loved all the hands-on learning that took place at the station.” Dunne continues.
Grade 4 teacher Jen Conrad said her students loved the day and were able to participate in so many activities.
“They loved seeing the different stations. “We were very busy,” says Conrad.
She noted that several areas caught the interest of students and sparked conversations in the classroom.
“My students really liked how involved our professional teachers were. ‘ said Conrad. “The art iPad sand activity was a hit. Of course, the snacks were always a hit with the kids, and they loved the MidStates Bank treats.”
Computer science is an integral part of classroom teaching.
“We currently teach computer science in the classroom once a week, and the festival was a great showcase for both students and teachers to see the many uses of computer science,” Conrad said. says.
Dunne adds: Participating in the community is great. ”
Kindergarten to Grade 2 students first visited the festival from 8:45 am to 1 hour, and Grades 3 and 4 from 10:15 am to 11:15 am.
Students rotated between 3 stations every 20 minutes.
“As an education coach, I think it’s important to give students the tools to succeed as lifelong learners. I feel like I’m preparing them for jobs that don’t even exist yet.” Spooner said, “In the tech world, almost every career path that students take involves technology in some way. In addition to technology, computer science also teaches collaboration, problem-solving skills, and persistence.”
Spooner also thanked everyone who volunteered to participate in the day’s activities.
“I hope our students will connect computer science with many companies close to our hometown,” she concluded.
