Deep Dive into TinkerCad CodeBlocks!

Yes, even a 2nd grader can understand and create with Tinkercad Codebocks! Whenever I see an opportunity, I prioritize showing our work to classroom teachers. So, when the 2nd-grade teacher came to pick up her students from my Computer Science and Design Thinking Class last week, I showed her our "Code our Neighborhood" project. In this project, students are to write an algorithm to design a neighborhood. I pointed out that the lesson included using positive and negative numbers to plot Cartesian coordinates, spatial reasoning, and pattern recognition. At first, the look on her face was skeptical. She mentioned that in 2nd grade, they do not cover those concepts. My reaction to her doubt was to recite my motto.?"If they don't know it yet...I TEACH IT. No Harm! Maybe someday they will say..." OH YES, I remember we did this in Computer Science class!"?

I called a few students up to show and explain their work. Each student described their project to their teacher using the expected computer science vocabulary;? positive and negative numbers, x, y, z, scale, and move. Needless to say, the 2nd-grade teacher's face changed drastically to one of surprise elation and a yearning to try it out in her own class!

I have felt this elation and a yearning to explore this year since my student and I began a deep dive into Tinkercad codeblocks and circuits. Having attended most of the Tinkercad hosted free webinar series Teaching with Tinkercad, I felt my classes were ready to dive in. The Codeblocks and Circuits lesson plans introduced in the series gave me renewed hope that I would be able to teach and reach all of my students.?

Due to the shortage of chips, thus, hardware such as Microbits and Arduinos, it seemed impossible to give every student a HANDS-on experience. Breadboards, wires, motors, and LEDs are in short supply. Attempting projects using these supplies often do not afford the chance students need to fully utilize the iteration process. The virtual lessons in Tinkercad Circuits changed that. Tinkercad Circuit lessons allow students to use and test virtual Microbits and Arduinos using code blocks with motors, LEDs, breadboards, and wires. After I was sure that each student had a firm grasp of the basics, we broke up into small groups and took out what I had in the closet. Then, each group was able to test their knowledge by recreating the lessons in real life. You can hear the excitement in their voices as they screamed for joy when it worked.?

Another exciting project mashup for the students in Grade 3 to 8 is a combination of the Code.org Unplugged Algorithm Tangram lesson with Tinkercad Codeblocks. My students first learn the history of Tangrams and then work on the unplugged assignment by writing tangram algorithms on paper from the Code.org Worksheets. Then the students use the Tinkercad Codeblocks to write the same algorithms using code in 3D! While working, students related to other lessons they remember that included tangrams in their math classes, guidance lessons, and Physical Education, to name a few.?

Tinkered makes it easy to create a teacher account and set up classes. We use Google Classroom, so my setup was super simple. The Tinkercad classes interface is very user-friendly! Teachers can move from module to module, class to class, and from student to student to view work. The new "Activities" feature makes assigning projects a breeze. Now, teachers have more time to tinker with their Tinkercad Codeblocks designs! Another timesaver for teachers is Tinkercad's Lesson Plans on Instructables for grades 3 to 12, and built-in starter activities. Teachers can create assignments for independent learners OR show the lessons step by step on a projection device during the class period.?

Last words? Tinkercad Codeblocks is worth diving into. The water is fine for any subject, anytime for grades 2 to 12! I recommend every teacher create an account and start tinkering today!