TeachersFirst's Computational Thinking
Other TeachersFirst Special Topics Collections
Computational thinking is expressing solutions so that humans and computers can understand them. A great way to visualize how to embed it in your classroom is to have the students think like the physicist, economist, artist, mathematician, etc. to identify the problems that need to be explored. This is not programming computers but logical ways for problem solving. It is a problem solving tool for every classroom that has students think like a problem solver and use higher level cognitive skills.
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UK Bebras Challenge - UK Bebras Challenge
Grades
K to 12
tag(s): computational thinking (33), critical thinking (114), logic (229), mental math (26), problem solving (277)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site to use in your math classroom. Encourage students to complete activities in different age categories. Find problems to share with your classroom to use in math centers or as homework. Ask students to create a Google spreadsheet to track their attempts at completing challenges and their results. Use on online digital portfolio tool like WeLearnedIt, reviewed here, for students to share their problem solving strategies, or challenge them to create an explainer video using Rawshorts, reviewed here. Rawshorts is a drag and drop format site designed to allow you to create short animated or explainer videos to share on TeacherTube, reviewed here, YouTube and other social media sites.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Blended Play - BlendedPlay
Grades
3 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): computational thinking (33), critical thinking (114), design (87), game based learning (160), gamification (79), problem solving (277)
In the Classroom
Before creating games, take advantage of shared files in the Game Library to quickly make games accessible for students. Once you are familiar with the site, create games for any topic to use for review or as a schema activator. Encourage students to use this tool as a substitute for paper and pen. Have groups of students create their own review games for personal use and to share with fellow students. As students gain confidence in creating their own games, share other game-creation sites like Scratch, reviewed here, as an excellent way to promote creativity and personalize any learning experience.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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C-Stem Studio - UC Davis C-Stem Center
Grades
K to 12tag(s): coding (78), computational thinking (33), game based learning (160), gamification (79), logic (229), problem solving (277), robotics (23), STEM (215)
In the Classroom
Download C-Stem Studio as part of your ongoing STEM and coding instruction. Be sure to follow directions on downloading the correct version and order of downloads. Share activities on your interactive whiteboard or projector, then have students create and explore on their own. After school clubs and activities can use this program to learn to code. Use this tool with gifted students for a great challenge. Set up a coding activity center for interested students when they finish class work or for rainy days and snow days. Share this link on your class website for students to access both in and out of the classroom.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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The Code Player - thecodeplayer.com
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): coding (78), computational thinking (33), computers (107), critical thinking (114), design (87), logic (229), problem solving (277), STEM (215), tutorials (46), video (259)
In the Classroom
The Code Player is an excellent tool for anyone who prefers to watch demonstrations to learn instead of reading or listening to directions. Depending on the coding abilities of your students, choose one of the demos to display on an interactive whiteboard or with a projector and learn together. Have groups of students choose a different coding format to complete an activity. Use this site as a model for you or your students to create your own screencasts sharing how-to projects with coding. Enhance learning by using a tool like Screencastify, reviewed here. Screencastify works with the Chrome browser to record your screen and capture audio recordings. Have more advanced students create their own coding projects for classroom use.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Edabit - Matt MacPherson
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): coding (78), computational thinking (33), computers (107), critical thinking (114), engineering (128), problem solving (277), STEM (215)
In the Classroom
Coding is an excellent way to teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Use this site as homework, a center, or in a lab setting. Activities are self-paced, so differentiation is easy. However, it is still a good idea, if possible, to seat a more experienced computer user with one who is less experienced. Explain to students that coding is a critical skill in today's world filled with technology and will also be a valuable skill in the job market. Many jobs that will require coding do not yet exist. Put a link to this tool on your class website, blog, or wiki.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Minecraft Education Edition - Microsoft and Mojang AB
Grades
2 to 12tag(s): coding (78), computational thinking (33), game based learning (160), gamification (79), Microsoft (68)
In the Classroom
Make use of the features provided in the education edition of Minecraft to allow learning through gameplay. Ask students to use the camera and portfolio features to document decision making and progress through games. Use features within the game to learn about history, for example, have students import 3-dimensional structures such as the Roman Colosseum to explore and create experiences from that time. Instruct students to create a story for creative writing projects. Encourage students to retell a story through a Minecraft experience. Use Minecraft features to teach math lessons on shape, volume, area, and more. Discover more ideas at Minecraft Hour of Code Tutorials, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Minecraft Hour of Code Tutorials - code.org
Grades
2 to 12tag(s): coding (78), computational thinking (33), computers (107), critical thinking (114), design (87), problem solving (277), STEM (215)
In the Classroom
Make coding part of science inquiry or math logic in any classroom. Include it as part of scientific method or discussions about careers in science. You may even want to portray coding as just another "world language" in today's world. Be sure to look at all the implementation advice before introducing these extensive coding resources to your class. It would be wise to complete the Hour of Code yourself, so you will feel comfortable helping students if they get stuck. Better yet, invite a few students to do an hour with you after school and learn together! You will have a team of "techsperts" to help their peers. Plan an hour of Code on nationally designated days or on your own calendar! Invite the PTA/PTO to host a coding event. Select a video from this site to use to introduce Computer Science to your students. If you only have a few computers, introduce this tool using a projector or interactive whiteboard and bookmark it as a learning station with earbuds/headphones. Encourage students to help each other when they have difficulty. Share this on your website for students to use at home, too.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Shikaku Madness - Ganbaru Games
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): computational thinking (33), logic (229), multiplication (203), problem solving (277)
In the Classroom
Shikaku Madness is an excellent addition to classroom bookmarks for practicing multiplication, working with arrays, developing problem-solving skills, and using logic. Encourage students to work up to the next level and become an expert in Shikaku. Share a link to the site on your class website for students to access at home. Encourage Shikaku "experts" in your class to share their methods for completing each puzzle with other students. Transform learning by challenging students to create a video demonstrating their process in puzzle solving using a tool such as Screencast-o-matic, reviewed here, or Screencastify (Chrome app), reviewed here. Then share it using a tool like SchoolTube, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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CodeChef for Schools - Directi
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): coding (78), competitions (11), computational thinking (33), computers (107), critical thinking (114), problem solving (277), STEM (215)
In the Classroom
Coding is an excellent way to teach critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Use this site as homework, a center, or in a lab setting. The site offers different levels, so differentiation is built in. Explain to students that coding is a critical skill in today's world filled with technology and will also be a valuable skill in the job market. Many jobs that will require coding do not yet exist. Put a link to this tool on your class website, blog, or wiki. Encourage advanced students to enter the monthly competitions offered on CodeChef.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Google CS First - Google
Grades
5 to 9tag(s): animation (64), coding (78), computational thinking (33), critical thinking (114), digital storytelling (134), gamification (79), musical notation (39), problem solving (277), social media (41), sports (92), stories and storytelling (31)
In the Classroom
Create a club in your classroom as part of your STEM activities, as a lunch/recess club, or an at-home activity for students. Use the flyers and presentation materials provided to create interest in the club. Differentiate clubs by student interests and abilities. Share Google CS First with your school's media or tech leader as an excellent resource for teaching coding. This site is perfect for those who want to learn more about coding, but have some hesitancy since all materials from creating a group through the lessons are free. If you still have some doubts, enlist the services of a tech-savvy high school student to help with activities as part of their volunteering requirements.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Pencil Code Gym - David Bau
Grades
K to 12tag(s): coding (78), computational thinking (33), critical thinking (114), digital storytelling (134), drawing (73), geometric shapes (168), musical notation (39), problem solving (277)
In the Classroom
Create a link on classroom computers for use as centers. Use the text options for students to use with digital storytelling. This site is perfect for differentiating different levels of coding skills. Allow students to explore at their own pace, then share their creations with classmates. Extend learning by challenging students or groups to create videos explaining their creations using Adobe Spark Video Creator, reviewed here, and share them on a site such as TeacherTube, reviewed here. Be sure to add a link to your class website for students to practice at home.Comments
Great resource for all ages, more appropriate for middle school and above.Melissa, , Grades: 0 - 5
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E.A.K. (Erase All Kittens) - Drum Roll
Grades
1 to 6tag(s): coding (78), computational thinking (33), computers (107), critical thinking (114), logic (229), problem solving (277), STEM (215)
In the Classroom
Introduce Erase All Kittens on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Allow students to explore and learn on their own at classroom computer centers or individual laptops. Provide a link to Erase All Kittens for students to access at home. Create a bulletin board for students to post achievement levels. Transform learning by having student "coding experts" create video tutorials using Screencast-o-matic, reviewed here, and share them on a site such as TeacherTube, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Gridlock Buster - ITS Institute, University of Minnesota
Grades
K to 12tag(s): computational thinking (33), critical thinking (114), engineering (128), problem solving (277)
In the Classroom
Share Gridlock Buster on an interactive whiteboard or projector, and create a link on classroom computers. Challenge students to increase their score on each mission. Have students discuss their strategies for improving scores. Be sure to share a link on your class website for students to play at home.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Get Caught Engineering - Wendy Goldfein and Cheryl Nelson
Grades
3 to 8This site includes advertising.
tag(s): computational thinking (33), engineering (128), gravity (51), problem solving (277), scientific method (66), simple machines (30), STEM (215)
In the Classroom
Take advantage of the free lesson plans and activities to introduce STEM activities into your classroom. Use lesson plans as ideas for starting an Engineering Night program at your school. Transform learning by having students create an annotated image of projects including text boxes and related links using a tool such as Thinglink, reviewed here. Redefine learning by challenging cooperative learning groups to create videos explaining each step of their process using My Simpleshow, reviewed here, and share them on a site such as TeacherTube, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Kodable - Surfscore, Inc
Grades
K to 4This site includes advertising.
tag(s): coding (78), computers (107), engineering (128), logic (229), problem solving (277), STEM (215)
In the Classroom
Use this tool to learn basic coding skills. Students will quickly catch on to this program when allowed to experiment while viewing their results. Kodable is great for differentiating for students with different abilities and learning styles. Keep track of student progress through your teacher account and entering student profiles. Set Kodable up as a learning center and have students to work in pairs to complete the challenges.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Code - Hadi & Ali Partovi
Grades
K to 10tag(s): coding (78), computational thinking (33), computers (107), critical thinking (114), problem solving (277), STEM (215), women (103)
In the Classroom
Make coding part of science inquiry or math logic in any classroom. Include it as part of scientific method or discussions about careers in science. You may even want to portray coding as just another "world language" in today's world. Be sure to look at all the implementation advice before introducing these extensive coding resources to your class. It would be wise to complete the Hour of Code yourself so you will feel comfortable helping students if they get stuck. Better yet, invite a few students to do an hour with you after school and learn together! You will have a team of "techsperts" to help their peers. Select the Learn button from the top menu to find two links for educators. The one at the top of the Learn page gives quick tips for prepping for the Hour of Code. The one at the bottom of the slide gives complete instructions for implementing the Hour of Code in your classroom. Plan an hour of Code on nationally designated days or on your own calendar! Invite the PTA/PTO to host a coding event. Select a video to use to introduce Computer Science to your students. Introduce this tool using a projector or interactive whiteboard and bookmark it as a learning station with earbuds/headphones. Encourage students to help each other when they have difficulty. Share this on your website for students to use at home, too. Code teaches the basics. Those students who show a keen interest in coding could extend their learning by using a program such as Codeacademy, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Gamestar Mechanic - E-Line Media
Grades
4 to 9This site includes advertising.
tag(s): creativity (104), design (87), game based learning (160), gamification (79)
In the Classroom
Game design allows learners to build technical, technological, artistic, cognitive, social, and linguistic skills. Students can collaborate in small groups or with partners to work through the Quest adventure. Use Gamestar Mechanic as a platform for creative writing opportunities. Each level of the game unlocks the next section of the story. Games are an emerging form of self-expression and communication. Integrate spelling words, vocabulary words, and word wall words in the story. Challenge your gifted students to create math problem solving activities for each level of an original game. Students can collaborate by linking multiple games on Webnode, reviewed here, which allows students to provide the exposition to a multi-level challenge. Have students unlock content or clues for a unit by conquering Gamestar quests. Students can create review games for their peers with content from various subjects. Create an educational scavenger hunt for your students. Each level of the game unlocks a task or clue to a physical task around the classroom.Edge Features:
Includes an education-only area for teachers and students
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes social features, such as "friends," comments, ratings by others
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Premium version (not free) includes additional features or storage
Products can be shared by URL
Includes teacher tools for registering and/or monitoring students
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