Welcome to Ekstrand Lab/STEM!
Hello, I'm Mrs. Richmann the teacher of Lab/STEM at Ekstrand Elementary in Dewitt, Iowa. I teach grades K-3. In our class we learn the following:
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Computer Literacy/Digital Literacy
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Computer Science
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STEM (Engineering design process)
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Keyboarding
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Robotics
Our class is centered around both CSTA (Computer Science) standards and ISTE standards.
Examples of some of the learning targets include:
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I can click and drag the mouse.
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I can use homerow on the keyboard.
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I can use the engineering design process to solve a problem.
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I can use a computer and the internet appropriately.
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I can make an algorithm to code a robot.
Our Classes
As I plan our curriculum, I keep these main ideas in place for the lessons at every grade level We will utilize the iPad and Chromebooks within the lab.
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Trackpad practice
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Computer fundamentals
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Awareness of online safety and digital citizenship
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Keyboarding and word processing skills
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Computational thinking
With this in mind, we will complete activities on the computer through keyboarding fundamentals, coding, digital citizenship practice, and ongoing work on the trackpad of the Chromebooks to prepare them for 4th grade use of a MacBook. Also, hands on work to solve problems will be covered with STEM lessons.
Grade Level Standards
Kindergarten
Keyboarding: I can find all the letters on the alphabet on the keyboard.
Computer Science: I can code an algorithm.
STEM: I can sketch, plan, build an idea to solve a problem.
Digital Literacy/Computer Literacy: I can use a digital device appropriately in a variety of ways to communicate or solve problems.
1st grade
Keyboarding: I can find all the letters of the alphabet on the keyboard.
I can use both hands to type the letters.
I can find homerow.
Computer Science: I can code and debug an algorithm.
STEM: I can sketch, plan, build an idea to solve a problem.
Digital Literacy/Computer Literacy: I can use a digital device appropriately in a variety of ways to communicate or solve problems.
2nd grade
Keyboarding: I can use both hands to type the letters with ease.
I can use homerow.
I can use the correct hand to type the letter on the keyboard.
I can strive for 2-4 words per minute.
Computer Science: I can sequence and debug an algorithm.
I can build use events to program, such as a game.
STEM: I can sketch, plan, build an idea to solve a problem.
Digital Literacy/Computer Literacy: I can use a digital device appropriately in a variety of ways to communicate or solve problems.
3rd grade
Keyboarding: I can use the correct hand and finger for each letter on the keyboard.
I can strive for 4-6 words per minute.
Computer Science: I can sequence and debug an algorithm.
I can build use events to program, such as a game.
STEM: I can sketch, plan, build an idea to solve a problem.
Digital Literacy/Computer Literacy: I can use a digital device appropriately in a variety of ways to communicate or solve problems.
