Wednesday, March 18, 2020

A message from President Sands


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Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Boolean Girls - Full STEM Ahead - Episode 3 - Intro to Python - Turtle

Register Now!


Episode 3: Introduction to Python - Turtle

Register Now!
March 18, 3-4 PM Eastern Time
Ages: 10-18
In this episode we will introduce Python Turtle, a Python library used to introduce kids to Python. It is a fun and easy way to  introducing core python concepts.  With the Python Turtle library, you can draw and create various types of shapes and images.
If you’re a beginner to Python, then this tutorial will help you as you take your first steps into the world of programming with the help of the Python Turtle library!
What you need to participate:
A Boolean Box or a Raspberry Pi or any Windows or Mac computer with python installed.  See guidance for installing Python 3 on Mac or Windows below.
Recommended: A second device with internet access for tuning it to this episode.  Can be a Windows or Mac computer or a tablet.

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Monday, March 16, 2020

Boolean Girls Full STEM Ahead Episode 2 - Ghosts and Wizard

Episode 2: Ghosts and Wizard

March 16, 3-4 PM Eastern Time
Ages: 8-13
You are a wizard and you need to catch all the ghosts. Problem is, as soon as you catch one ghost, seconds later the ghost returns.
Learn how to:
– Use Broadcast and Receive
– Use the mouse to maneuver your sprite
– Use random numbers
Challenges
- Make the game your own with a different theme
- Add scoring

Replay the Episode

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Free Online Resources When Stuck Inside

Curated by our high school intern Kathryn, these resources can keep you interested and learning when you're stuck inside.

Submit your suggestions to Thinkabit@vt.edu


Academic Earth – VARIETY - Links to thousands of free university-level lectures and course materials from over 20 highly regarded universities.
Alison – VARIETY - Free online courses in all subjects.  There is a course called all about the coronavirus.
Boolean Girls  – PROGRAMMING -  Register for our free, live instructor-led online series. Kids learn to Code, Build, Invent, and Animate, and each episode is age-appropriately tailored for ages 8 to 18.
Codecademy – PROGRAMMING - Learn in‐​demand skills like coding in different programming languages, web development, design, and data science. Free access to basic lessons, with the option to pay for more advanced courses.
Coursera – VARIETY - provides a wide range of courses created by various colleges and universities, including many that are free.
Duolingo – LANGUAGES - If you or your child are interested in learning a new language, Duolingo offers free online learning tools in 36 languages.
Edx – VARIETY - Access to free online courses delivered by a consortium of leading colleges and universities. Learn college‐​level content in computer science, engineering, and robotics, among others. 
Khan Academy – VARIETY - free YouTube instructional videos in a wide range of content areas, including all levels of mathematics, English language arts, science, history, computer science and programming, and SAT preparation. Content is aligned with state curriculum standards, and parents can view and track their children’s progress.  
Local Libraries – VARIETY - explore the many other digital resources your local library likely offers. Many public libraries provide free access to e‑books, streaming films and music, digital magazines, and even language learning resources, such as Mango.
Lyn​da​.com  – VARIETY - available for free through many public libraries, Lyn​da​.com has an array of online learning resources in subject areas ranging from photography to business to web development. Log into your local library for access details.
Marginal Revolution University (MRU) - ECONOMICS – Economics isn’t always taught at the K‑12 level, but the dynamic, self‐​paced introductory economics courses offered for free through MRU are likely to pique your older child’s interest.
Mystery Science – SCIENCE - Mystery Science has free memberships for up to one year. Video lessons are complemented by hands‐​on experiments and downloadable activities.
No Red Ink – WRITING - free, online writing and grammar resource helps students of all ages to practice and refine their writing skills. Parents can sign up as a teacher (you can use your home as a school), create a learner profile for your child, and then allow a child to log in to the student account and get practicing.
Open Culture – VARIETY - Access 1,500 free, online audio and video courses from recognized universities, and access more than 1,000 free audio books.
Prodigy Math – MATH - Free and used by many schools for online math support.  This uses a video game‐​style interface to engage learners. Users create characters and conquer challenges using math aligned with their skill level and grade-level competencies. The paid version offers more math and allows parents and teachers to customize additional features. 
Smithsonian Institution – VARIETY - An example of what many museums are offering, the Smithsonian Institution’s open access Learning Lab offers free, online resources and activities for learners.  
TED‐​Ed – VARIETY - a free collection of high‐​quality videos on a variety of topics for learners of all ages, including supplemental materials, discussion questions, and opportunities to probe deeper. Register as an educator and you can help to customize your student’s learning experience, or let your kid explore independently.
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Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Boolean Girls Full STEM Ahead - Episode 1 Pong

The live session broadcast from the Virginia Tech Thinkabit Lab was recorded for playback from

https://booleangirl.org/full-stem-ahead/

Episode 1: Pong

March 11, 3-4 PM Eastern Time
Ages: 8-13
In this episode, we will work together to create a game in Scratch.  We will start by covering the basics, so even a beginner can complete this project.
Build the game Pong and learn how to:
  • Log in to scratch, create code and save your work;
  • Use events to make a Sprite move;
  • Use variables to keep score; and
  • Use conditionals to know when to make something happen.
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Saturday, March 7, 2020

Drew Elementary Makerspace featured on WERA's Education Innovations



Our collaborators at Drew Elementary, Rachel Landry and Joel Gildea talk about elementary makerspaces with WERA's  Paula Lazor.

Education Innovations, Saturdays 2:30-3pm on www.wera.fm.

See more at https://www.mixcloud.com/EducationInnovations/ or https://twitter.com/lazorcte54

Image may contain: 2 people, people standing and indoor


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