Students place the Puzzlets in the “Play Tray.” The Puzzlets represent
different commands that will determine how the game characters move
and how they will get to their goal.
“Our staff will continue to work with other leaders in
computer science education to research and update what
we offer our students,” Dr. Freeman stated. “Computer
science education is constantly evolving and it’s important
that our students know how to use the latest innovative
technologies for their learning.”
Photos continued on page 12
Coding Begins in Kindergarten
Kindergarten teacher Michelle Ulanowicz explains a precoding exercise
to her kindergarten students. The students use a Puzzlets™ game to learn
precoding skills. In the game, “Cork the Volcano,” published by Digital
Dream Studios, students use precoding skills to move the figures, all while
building coding confidence.
The “Play Tray” is connected to the computer. When the code is entered
by the students placing the Puzzlet pieces, they then push the computer
scroll pad to test if their code will help the character reach its goal.
Students search for their Puzzlet pieces that will create the code to help
move the game character.
Mrs. Ulanowicz and her kindergarten students celebrate as the game
character reaches its goal and moves on to a new level.
Fox Chapel Area | Spring 2016 | icmags.com 11
FOX C HAP E L ARE A SC HOOL N E WS
Additionally, the district recently hosted nearly 150
educators and showcased its innovative computer science
initiatives as part of the Fox Chapel Area School District
FabCon. FabCon, presented in partnership with the
Pittsburgh FAB Network and made possible by The
Grable Foundation, provided a professional development
opportunity for local educators interested in learning about
digital fabrication and the creation of a Fab Lab.
Fox Chapel Area
elementary computer curriculum as part of the district’s
commitment to computer science at all levels. The entire
middle school has also participated in the Hour of Code
and students experience elements of coding and robotics
in their technology education and business courses there.
The high school offers a variety of experiences in coding
from full courses in computer science, to coding in the
technology and engineering courses. In addition to the
Computer Science Advanced Placement (AP) class already
offered, Fox Chapel Area High School will also offer the
new Principles of Computer Science AP class when it
launches in the fall of 2016.