Ingrid
Gustafson, Technology Integration Teacher and after school Scratch Club
coordinator, would like to share that a student from the after school
club has won the National STEM Video Game Challenge. Cooper designed a
game that includes STEM concepts using the Scratch software. This is
something we definitely want to bring to the Upper Schools!
Scratch
is a free programming application developed by the Lifelong
Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. Kids absolutely love Scratch.
The creator, Mitch Resnick, credits its easy adoption and widespread
appeal to its "low floor and high ceiling." Anyone can get started
programming within minutes, yet there are endless possibilities that
keep the interest of advanced learners. It's a tool that can be
integrated into any curriculum as a way for students to demonstrate
their understanding and engage with content.
Ingrid
is passionate about Scratch. In addition to the after school club at
Baldwin, she has integrated it into her curriculum at both Baldwin and
King Open, offered workshops to the math department, attended meetups
and workshops at MIT, and is presenting at their annual conference this
summer. She is already thinking about ways to use Scratch at the
Cambridge Street and Putnam Ave Upper Schools where she will be working
next year.
Learn More
Visit the Challenge Web Site
Watch the Winners' Video
Watch Cooper's Video