Fifth Grade Math
Order of Operations with Dash
Grade: Fifth Grade
Subject: Math and Computer Science
App: Blockly
Student Objective: Students will be able to solve a multi-step project using the appropriate order of operations.
Reflection: Solving multi-steps problems can become tedious and dull. This lesson completely transformed the standard PEMDAS strategy into an engaging and collaborative experience for students.
I decided to integrate our school's Dash robots as the students had just explored computer science during the Hour of Code. Working with the robots and Wonder Workshop's Blockly app, students used block code to solve the problem in the appropriate order. I scaffolded this assignment by first having students solve the problem independently on a notecard. Then students used their work to code Dash to solve the problem in the correct order. Along each step of the problem, students recorded themselves "teaching" Dash what to do next. In the end, Dash stopped at the final answer.
Coding and computer science is often thought of as a separate entity. With creativity and flexibility, these skills can be integrated throughout the school day!
Subject: Math and Computer Science
App: Blockly
Student Objective: Students will be able to solve a multi-step project using the appropriate order of operations.
Reflection: Solving multi-steps problems can become tedious and dull. This lesson completely transformed the standard PEMDAS strategy into an engaging and collaborative experience for students.
I decided to integrate our school's Dash robots as the students had just explored computer science during the Hour of Code. Working with the robots and Wonder Workshop's Blockly app, students used block code to solve the problem in the appropriate order. I scaffolded this assignment by first having students solve the problem independently on a notecard. Then students used their work to code Dash to solve the problem in the correct order. Along each step of the problem, students recorded themselves "teaching" Dash what to do next. In the end, Dash stopped at the final answer.
Coding and computer science is often thought of as a separate entity. With creativity and flexibility, these skills can be integrated throughout the school day!
What did the Students Do?
1. Make a grid, labeling each square with a step of the problem.
2. Have the students solve the problem step by step before beginning to code.
3. Use Blockly and code Dash to solve the solution in order. Record each step of the problem.