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MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT: BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE!
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MTSD Embraces
Innovative
Technology Tool
T
echnology is part of our every day,
and the Millcreek Township School
District (MTSD) has recently added
technology tools to the elementary
curriculum in an effort to improve
student creativity, critical thinking,
and collaboration. Embedded within
the umbrella of science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM),
this initiative provides all students from
kindergarten through fifth grade with
opportunities to specifically develop
algorithms.
Earlier this school year, all District
elementary teachers were provided
professional staff development in the
method of coding, which is the process to
create an algorithm that tells a computer
a set of actions to put into effect. Students
began using some of these tools earlier this
year and will continue to utilize these tools
throughout future school years.
Moving forward, students in kindergarten
and first grade will be coding using a “Code
and Go Mouse,” which uses arrows for
developing the algorithm. Students will be
using ozobots with line coding and block
coding to develop algorithms. It is also
through block coding that Humming Bird
Bits are programmed. “The Hummingbird
Robotics Kit is another exciting way to
introduce our fifth graders to engineering.
They will have the opportunity to be
creative in a new, engaging way,” said Tracy
School teacher Kristina McQueeney.
Most recently, BirdBrain Technologies
from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, developed
one tool that is being used by fourth and
fifth grade students. The Hummingbird
Bit is brand new to the STEM scene. A
controller allows students to engage in
creative engineering and robotics at an
entry level.
Kelsey Derringer from BirdBrain
Technologies remarked, “Your district is
among the first in the nation, and in fact the
world, to make a district-wide commitment
and be trained at a district level for
adoption of this ‘highly inventive and
artistic educational technology tool.”
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MILLCREEK
Students used engineering skills to program their bumble bee to
move, utilizing the hummingbird controller and the computer.
With this initiative, the District is
preparing students for a future that, at
times, is difficult to imagine. Participating
in these STEM activities provides
students with opportunities to develop
skills such as problem-solving, critical
thinking, perseverance, risk taking, and
shared responsibility. These skills, in
addition to the content connections
made throughout the lessons, also lay a
strong foundation for future success in all
aspects of school.
As students move through their
elementary years, they will take the
experiences and knowledge developed
and build upon it in the other STEM
opportunities offered by MTSD at the
middle and high school levels.
Teachers attended training to learn how to
utilize the new Hummingbird equipment.
“Your district is among
the first in the nation,
and in fact the world,
to make a district-wide
commitment and be
trained at a district
level for adoption of
this ‘highly inventive
and artistic’ educational
technology tool.”
Kelsey Derringer
Professional Development Coordinator
BirdBrain Technologies
Students use art skills to create a bumble bee.