< Computational Thinking

The Computational Thinking Lesson Library provides support for middle school teachers as they learn and implement computational thinking into STEM instruction.

All lessons in the library have been classroom tested by participating teachers in the Integrating Computational Thinking into STEM Learning (iSTEM-CS) research project and reviewed by S²TEM Centers SC Educational Specialists.

Lessons

Physical Science

The Best Ice Pack Flowchart

Lesson: Download

In this lesson, students will use their knowledge of chemical and physical properties and chemical and physical changes to create an ice pack.

Standards: 7.P.2B.4
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Disciplinary Literacy Strategies:  Collaborative grouping; Think, Ink, Pair, Share (TIPS)

Tools:  Flowcharts

Life Science

Genetic Mutation Superheroes Game

Lesson: Download

This is an assessment activity where
a trio of students will use their knowledge of genetics. Each trio will create a male and female superhero based on genetic mutations. They will list the superhero’s phenotypes and genotypes, as well as provide Punnett squares for them.  In addition, they will create a possible offspring of the two superheroes in which they will identify the phenotype and genotype of the inherited traits.

Standards: 7.L.4A.3, 7.L.4A.5
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Disciplinary Literacy Strategies:  Elbow Partners, Chum Check, Thumbs up/Thumbs down

Tools:  Games

Earth Science

Tsunami Storyboard

Lesson: Download

In this lesson, students’ prior knowledge of
ocean currents and waves will be pre-assessed as they create a story board of a tsunami.

Standards: 6.S.1A.2, 6.S.1A.4, 5.E.3B.1, 8.E.5B
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Disciplinary Literacy Strategies:  Jigsaw, Most Important Point, Give Me Five

Tools:  Storyboards

Life Science

Cleaning Up
with Ozobots

Lesson: Download

Students will use an engineering design process and computational thinking to design an attachment for an Ozobot that can collect simulated pollution from roadways. The students must code their Ozobot Bits to try to collect at least 10 pieces of pollution on their route.

Standards: 7.S.1B.1, 7.EC.5A
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Disciplinary Literacy Strategies:  Collaborative Groups, Jigsaw (adapted)

Tools:  Robotics

Earth Science

Mineral Headband Game

Lesson: Download

In this lesson, students will use computational thinking skills, reasoning, and prior knowledge of mineral characteristics to identify an unknown mineral: asking only “yes or no” questions.

Standards: 6.S.1A.2, 6.S.1A.4, 8.E.5C.1
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Disciplinary Literacy Strategies:  Elbow Partners, Jigsaw(adapted)Pairs Squared

Tools:  Games

Physical Science

Ground Watery Mystery

Lesson: Download

This lesson introduces students to an ecological problem that involves listening to the opinions of others and then brainstorming a solution.

Standards: 7.S.1A.1, 7.S.1A.4, 7.EC.5A
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Disciplinary Literacy Strategies:  Collaborative Groups, Bounce Cards, Graphic Organizers, Agree/Disagree (modified –PearDeck and Casual Factors), Active Listening, MIP (Most Important Point)

Life Science

Ecological Organization Storyboards

Lesson: Download

In this lesson, students will graphically represent their understanding of the levels of organization in an ecosystem as a digital storyboard.

Standards: 7.EC.5A.1
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Disciplinary Literacy Strategies:  Collaborative Groups, Chart Talk

Tools:  Storyboards

Physical Science

Periodic Table Breakout

Lesson: Download

Students will utilize their chemistry knowledge of the Periodic Table, chemical bonds, and density to solve three problems and acquire three codes for digital locks in a breakout game.

Standards: 7.P.2A.2, 7.P.2A.4, 7.P.2B.2
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Disciplinary Literacy Strategies:  Facts First Questioning (adapted)

Tools:  Breakouts (digital)

Life Science

Human Body Digital Breakout

Lesson: Download

In this lesson, students will use their knowledge of the six human body systems to complete a digital breakout. The first team to “breakout” is the winner!

Standards: 7.L.3B.1
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Disciplinary Literacy Strategies: 
Mix, Freeze, Pair, Share, Making Thinking Visible, Gallery Walk, Triangle, Circle, Square Reflection

Tools:  Breakouts (digital)

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