Code Mode Spacial Expressions

In December, the Elementary School joined more than 100 million students worldwide in participating in an Hour of Code during Computer Science Education week led by STEM Coordinator Ms. Danielle Orville.

Atideinu through 1st graders participated in an unplugged Hour of Code activity. Students were introduced to the concept of coding through dance. Each child wrote their own “code” on sentence strips using dance symbols. They practiced following the code by teaching their code (dance moves) to the rest of the class. Students had to observe and debug any errors in the code.

Second through 5th graders kept the Hour of Code dance party going with an introductory experience learning how to code on code.org. This activity introduced the core computer science concepts of coding and event programming, using "blocks." Students learned to think about controlling actions using "events."

Elementary School students learn computer science concepts through creative programming during Hour of Code.

Our Elementary School students were transformed into DJs and choreographers as they had a great time coding!

Middle School students were introduced to the basic concepts of programming by coding their own 3-D Space Invader game that they can play on their computers or mobile devices in 3-D and/or VR mode. Students coded the game in 3-D while learning about the basics of game development and motion in 3-D space as well as fundamental programming concepts like loops, conditionals, variables, and keyboard events.

“This was a massive school-wide effort and I am so proud to work in a school that values STEM education so highly," said Ms. Orville. "It was an absolute pleasure to work with so many talented educators. This event was truly a blast for all!”

The Dr. Albert Montague A”H STEM Institute is dedicated by Julie and Steven Montague.

Computer Science Week at JBHS’ Makerspace challenges students to get creative.

JBHS STEM Coordinator Tziri Lamm created and designed the room with the goal of student self-sufficiency in mind, saying that “increased independence drives self-motivated learning.” Every inch of space in the classroom’s five closets, eight cabinets and eight drawers is labeled and mapped out—a labor of love that took weeks during the summer of Ms. Lamm’s private time. She also set up a self-paced badging system that allows a student to move up in proficiency levels after watching tutorials and completing small projects that would allow a student to master specific tools.

To see the transformation of Room 307 at JBHS from a physics lab to a decked-out Makerspace, is nothing short of astounding. This dedicated space for Computer Science department classes is filled with literally thousands of pieces, including seven MakerBot printers as well as several high-end Ultimaker and resin printers, vinyl cutters, a heat press, a laser cutter, soldering irons, engineering components, crafting supplies and anything an aspiring STEM student could wish for.

In mid-December, all grades were invited to the new Makerspace classroom for Computer Science Education Week when they were given the choice of several projects including a 3-D printed key chain and a soldered jitterbug. “If we equip students with what they need, it gives them the ability to explore on their own. The teacher should be there to support the students but shouldn’t need to instruct them,” shared Ms. Lamm. Sophomores strive towards CIJE (Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education) Innovation Day in the spring by completing various small projects that develop individual proficiencies. “With this expertise, students will be able to leverage their skills and design more meaningful and useful projects.”

The Dr. Albert Montague A”H STEM Institute is dedicated by Julie and Steven Montague.