Computer Science Office Newsletter

On April 11, Logan McIntosh, the Instructional Facilitator of Technology at Legacy Elementary, achieved a remarkable feat: he was honored as the 2024 Virginia Computer Science Coach Champion by CodeVA. This prestigious recognition comes as a result of Mr. McIntosh's unwavering commitment to integrating computer science into the curriculum and his exceptional skill in collaborating with students and staff on a daily basis. His dedication has not gone unnoticed, as he was nominated for this award by multiple members of the Legacy Elementary staff. Now, Mr. McIntosh finds himself in contention for the esteemed title of Computer Science Educator of the Year, a decision that will be announced during an upcoming virtual ceremony next month.

Accompanied by her trusty companions, including robots, penguins, and even a snow leopard, Ruby embarks on exciting adventures where she encounters challenges and solves problems. She introduces young readers to the basics of coding and computational thinking playfully and imaginatively through her escapades.

Behind the magic of "Hello Ruby" stands Linda Liukas, a visionary programmer and the founder of Rails Girls, a global initiative dedicated to teaching programming basics to young women. Through her work, Liukas champions diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, inspiring a new generation of coders and innovators.

"Hello Ruby" books and activities aren't just about passive reading. They are interactive experiences introducing core programming concepts like problem decomposition, pattern recognition, algorithmic thinking, and debugging. Children develop essential STEM skills even before they touch a computer by engaging in Ruby's adventures and hands-on exercises.

With the goal of making STEM education more approachable and diverse, "Hello Ruby" serves as a colorful gateway into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Liukas aims to ignite curiosity and passion for learning in young minds by presenting complex concepts in a relatable and engaging format.

"Hello Ruby" is a testament to the power of storytelling and creativity in education. By merging imagination with learning, Liukas has created an innovative educational series that empowers children to become fearless explorers of the digital world, one adventure at a time.

The collaboration between Loudoun County Public Schools Computer Science Office and Winchester Public Schools METRICS Team continued with an exciting event from March 25-27. This event centered around a visit from the renowned author and illustrator, Linda Liukas, best known for her "Hello Ruby" series.

Shawn DeLuca and Rebecca Gratz, Instructional Facilitators of Computer Science from the CS Office, observed kindergarten through second grade lessons at Garland R. Quarles and John Kerr Elementary in Winchester. These lessons delved into fundamental concepts of algorithmic design, pattern recognition, decomposition, abstraction, networking via the Internet, and even touched upon artificial intelligence. Throughout the sessions, students enthusiastically engaged with a variety of hands-on materials, from tape and paper/pencil to LEGO blocks and paper towel tubes. These materials served as tangible tools for understanding complex computer science and computational thinking concepts.

On March 26, educators from the region gathered at the Winchester Public Schools administrative building for an enriching experience with Linda Liukas. The morning session focused on computational thinking, exploring its applications and importance in education, while the afternoon delved into the intriguing world of artificial intelligence, sparking thought-provoking discussions among participants.

The visit not only provided educators with invaluable insights and strategies but also fostered a sense of collaboration and community within the educational landscape. As educators exchanged ideas and experiences, they gained fresh perspectives on integrating computer science into various grade levels effectively. Linda Liukas's expertise and engaging sessions left a lasting impact, inspiring educators to continue nurturing young minds in the realm of computer science and computational thinking. Through continued collaboration and shared experiences, both Loudoun County Public Schools and Winchester Public Schools are paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future in education.

At Emerick, we have always striven to stay ahead of the curve, and it is with great pride that I am here to share the transformative impact of our efforts.

One of the key milestones in our journey was the introduction of an Instructional Facilitator of Computer Science (IFCS) to our staff. This marked a significant step forward, positioning Emerick as a trailblazer in embracing technology at the elementary level. From the outset, it was clear that this initiative was not merely about keeping pace with the times; it was about equipping our students with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age.

The integration of computer science and computational thinking into our core curriculum has been nothing short of revolutionary. It is not just about teaching students how to use technology; it is about fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity – essential skills for success in the 21st century. By aligning with the LCPS Profile of a Graduate, we ensure that our students are prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

What truly excites me is the collaborative spirit that permeates our school community. Teachers and students alike are on a journey of discovery, exploring the possibilities that technology affords us. Gone are the days of the teacher as the sole expert; now, we learn together, with technology serving as a catalyst for exploration and growth.

Over the past five years, I have witnessed a remarkable transformation among our staff. Our teachers have embraced technology in ways that I could have only imagined. They have seamlessly integrated computational thinking strategies into various content areas, enriching the learning experience for our students. Whether in the MakerSpace or the classroom, technology has become an integral part of the educational landscape at Emerick.

As we look to the future, I am filled with optimism for what lies ahead. Our journey of technological integration is far from over, but with the dedication and enthusiasm of our staff and the unwavering support of our community, I am confident that we will continue to lead the way in educational innovation.

Emerick Elementary School buzzed with excitement on April 12 as students from grades three, four, and five proudly showcased their newfound knowledge and skills at the Deeper Learning Showcase. This remarkable event, a culmination of their year-long journey, provided a platform for students to delve into a specific concept or skill they had mastered throughout the academic year.

From robotics to social studies, science to math, and beyond, students were free to choose their focus area, reflecting the diverse interests and passions within the school community. Armed with critical thinking rubrics developed by the school VIE (Visionary Innovators of Emerick) Team, students embarked on a journey of self-assessment, continually refining their projects to ensure excellence.

The creativity and ingenuity of Emerick's students were on full display, with presentations ranging from captivating slide decks to interactive games and hands-on activities. As kindergarteners through second graders roamed the exhibits, armed with question prompts, they eagerly absorbed knowledge from their older peers, fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration.

But the excitement didn't stop there. The Deeper Learning Showcase drew attention far beyond the school gates, with esteemed visitors from the Loudoun County Administration Building, including Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence, gracing the event. Their presence underscored the significance of Emerick's innovative approach to education and its impact on the broader community.

As families, local community members, and education leaders marveled at the students' accomplishments, it became evident that Emerick Elementary was not just a place of learning but a beacon of educational transformation. The showcase was a testament to the school's commitment to redefining the learning experience and empowering students to become critical thinkers, creators, and leaders of tomorrow.

The Deeper Learning Showcase was more than just an event; it celebrated the growth, curiosity, and limitless potential of every student at Emerick Elementary. It served as a reminder that when students are free to explore, create, and share their learning with others, magic happens, and the possibilities are endless.

At Hillside Elementary, the study of ancient civilizations moved beyond the conversations in class and ignited a vibrant exploration of history. Each classroom transformed into an immersive experience through a multi-day event, allowing students to engage in the sights, sounds, and stories of civilizations long past. The event, led by third-grade teacher Donna McGrath and supported by the Instructional Facilitator of Technology Deb Haynie, was a culmination of everything the students learned during their social science unit.

At the heart of the event were hands-on rotations through various stations, each offering a unique window into ancient life. Throughout each activity, students delved into ancient societies' daily rituals and customs. One station challenged students to embark on an archaeological dig of 3D-printed artifacts, fostering a sense of discovery and curiosity as they unearthed treasures from distant eras.

Another station integrated technology and history, inviting students to experience a digital voyage to ancient Greece. Armed with creativity and innovation, they reconstructed models of the Parthenon in Minecraft, bridging the gap between past and present through collaborative design. Meanwhile, at a robotics station, students navigated the trade routes of ancient civilizations using Ozobots, gaining insight into the interconnectedness of cultures and the role of commerce in shaping history.

Through exploration and digital integration, students in Donna McGrath, Melissa Casler, Sara Lynn, Patricia Maher, and Caroline Richards' classes gained a newfound appreciation for the resilience and ingenuity of ancient peoples, paving the way for a future enriched by the lessons of history.

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“Honestly, for me, this entire event was exciting from start to finish! The team planning process and working with our IFT and CS Lead to create purposeful tasks utilizing technology and incorporating computer science standards was energizing for me as a teacher. The result was highly engaging (5C’s) activities for the students that truly reinforced their learning and helped them better understand the history and contributions of these civilizations. In other words, the kids were totally focused and had a blast learning! You can’t beat that.”

- Donna McGrath

Recently at Frederick Douglass Elementary, kindergarten students participated in an exciting new math activity that brought robotics into the world of coins.

Led by teachers Allyson Householder, Lora Reles, Mary Cunningham, and Starr Freeburg, students engaged in a hands-on activity to explore the SOL concepts connected to coins. The highlight of this activity was a specially designed Blue Bot mat adorned with colorful images of both the front and back of various coins.

Under the guidance of their teachers, the students took turns selecting cards and designing algorithms for the Blue Bot to navigate its way to the corresponding coin on the mat. Upon reaching the correct coin, the students enthusiastically described it, including its value. This hands-on approach not only reinforced their understanding of coins but also sparked joy and excitement in their learning process.

The activity, which was was created through collaborative efforts with their Instructional Facilitator of Technology Karen Boyer will be incorporated into small group sessions over the coming weeks, ensuring continued reinforcement of mathematical concepts in an engaging and interactive manner.

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"The integration of coding through the use of a Blue Bot helped our students connect to the money concept by creating a focus on the coin, value, and the strategy to get the Blue Bot to the right location."

- Mary Cunningham

"Blue Bot activities are highly engaging for our students! They collaborate to problem solve and create codes to move Blue Bot while reviewing content area skills. Many thanks to Mrs. Spessard and Mrs. Boyer for their support to prepare materials in advance of the lessons. What a wonderful learning opportunity for our students!"

-Lora Reles

In a recent exploration of science and technology at Harper Park Middle School, Muditha Karunaratne, Andrew Masarik, and Jenny Kilmartin have been guiding their seventh-grade students through a fascinating journey of discovery. With a focus on life science and computer science standards, these teachers have integrated hands-on learning experiences to engage their students in understanding the intricacies of adaptations and the impact of technology on society.

In Muditha Karunaratne, Andrew Masarik, and Jenny Kilmartin's Science 7 classes, students delved into the concept of adaptations and their crucial role in supporting an organism's survival within an ecosystem. Exploring the Standards of Learning for Life Science, students examined the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on various ecosystems while also investigating how physical and behavioral characteristics enable organisms to thrive in specific environments.

To bring these concepts to life, the educators introduced an innovative approach using TinkerCad, a design program that allowed students to create 3D models of bird beaks. Drawing connections between mutations in DNA and beneficial adaptations, students explored the diverse range of bird beak shapes and sizes, each uniquely suited to the feeding habits of different bird species.

Students were encouraged to apply their newfound knowledge to real-world scenarios by studying current events where scientists use 3D printing technology to create prosthetic beaks for injured birds. By doing so, students gained a deeper understanding of the practical applications of their learning.

In collaboration with the AWS Think Big Space and their Instructional Facilitator of Computer Science, Sharon Brandon, students had the opportunity to see their designs come to life as their 3D-printed bird beaks were produced. With excitement and anticipation, they put their creations to the test, simulating the process of "eating" various types of food to assess the effectiveness of their designs.

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"This project really engaged the students. They were so excited to use what they learned in Tech Ed to use Tinkercad. Those students were able to help the students who were unsure about using the program. After just a short time, the students were comfortable with the program. At that point, they really had to think of how to design the best beak for an unknown food. They were so excited to get their printed beaks, and we had a great discussion about how some of the designs would need some improvement before being printed. It was a great project that really forced them to think about the entire design thinking process."

- Muditha Karunaratne

In collaboration with Iridium Satellite Communications and Trisdom Consulting, Loudoun County High School students participated in our inaugural Computer Science Workforce Development Series. The series aimed to increase students’ understanding of career opportunities, explore different career paths, and prepare them for future careers. Over four weeks, students from Lydia Pellow’s Computer Math classes engaged in workshops that sparked their interest in technology and innovation. Throughout the series, they experienced a mix of guest speakers and hands-on activities designed to deepen their learning.

Week 1: Igniting Inspiration: Students kicked off the workshop with guest speakers from Iridium and Trisdom, setting the stage for exploration into cutting-edge technologies and career pathways

Week 2: Taking Flight: Hands-on learning took center stage as students participated in the drone flight activity. Guided by experts from Iridium, they navigated the cafeteria skies through obstacles with their team, gaining first-hand experience in drones and applications to the real world.

Week 3: A Journey to Iridium: Students traveled to Iridium, interacting with industry professionals and participating in a facility tour and immersive activities simulation of satellite launches and satellite communications.

Week 4: Celebrating Achievement: Students gathered for a reflective closing activity.

We're incredibly thankful to Iridium Satellite Communications and Trisdom Consulting for their help and dedication to promoting excellence in computer science education. We're excited to replicate this series again in the fall, and we hope to expand our Workforce Development Series to include more local businesses next year.

Email: csforlcps@lcps.org
Website: https://www.lcps.org/Page/235030
Location: J. Lupton Simpson Middle School, Evergreen Mills Rd, Leesburg, VA, USA
Phone: 571-252-2854
Twitter: @csforlcps