Intro to Coding: STEM Distance Learning Activity
Practice critical Stage 1 STEM communication skills with this intro to coding activity!
Grades: 1st - 8th
Teaching Duration: 3 hours
“This was a great way to incorporate creative and critical thinking into my space unit! My kids enjoyed it! ”
lesson overview
Practice critical Stage 1 STEM communication skills with this intro to coding activity! This download provides options for distance learning including activities for live virtual classes, Google Slides / Google Classroom, Seesaw, Flipgrid, and printed packets. All activities can be edited.
To find the traditional classroom activity, go here.
Activity Overview: There has been an emergency on the International Space Station! A special tool is required to make repairs, but only Robonaut (a robotic astronaut) can build this tool. NASA’s Mission Control must send commands to tell Robonaut exactly how to build the tool to save the astronauts on the ISS.
Materials required: Any building materials that connect together can be used for this activity. Examples include Lego, Zoob, K'Nex, etc. Other options are to use index cards, modeling clay, tape, or other common materials.
Background: Coding or programming activities develop critical thinking and communication skills that are vital to all STEM career pathways. Before moving to coding robots or computer applications, teachers can use unplugged activities with minimal supplies to introduce basic coding skills. The activity is intended for elementary or middle school students to learn the challenges of verbal or written commands in trying to have their partner build an object. The activity is centered around a space theme of coding Robonaut, a NASA robot that supports astronauts in the International Space Station.
Included in this product:
Teachers guide with links to resources
Background page on Robonaut for a real-world STEM connection
Editable student worksheet and reflection pages for Google Slides, Flipgrid, and printed packets.
