Rock, Paper, Scissors against a Computer: How Timmy Discovered His Love of Computer Science
Program: After School
As Timmy entered Immanuel United Church of Christ, he didn’t know what to expect. His mom had signed him up for GPS: Geo Power Squad. He was a sixth grader at Wedgwood Sixth Grade Center, and didn’t necessarily have a passion for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, cultural Arts and Mathematics), although he did like to work with his hands and wanted to be an electrical engineer like his father when he grew up.
After the first week, he found he really enjoyed being a part of GPS: Geo Power Squad, a new program offered for 6th through 8th graders in the Ferguson-Florissant School District by Unleashing Potential. He liked his peers and teachers, and also enjoyed learning about new technology, particularly Micro:bits.
A Micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer designed to educate how software and hardware work together. It has an LED light display, buttons, sensors and many input/output features that, when programmed, make it interactive.
The particular lesson from GPS: Geo Power Squad involved Timmy writing a script for his Micro:bit to play Rock, Paper, Scissors whenever he shook it (the LED lights would light up to form either Rock, Paper or Scissor).
Timmy loves that a Micro:bit (and computer science in general) requires him to sharpen many of the same skills his father uses as an electrician. Timmy has to start with an end goal in mind. It’s not enough to say, “I intend to do something with code.” He has to have a specific function for the Micro:bit to perform. Then he has to think through the steps required to get from Point A to Point B.
Before joining the program, Timmy was aware of neither Micro:bits nor computer science. Now, within weeks of joining GPS: Geo Power Squad, he wants to play with his Micro:bit (which he gets to take home with him) in his free time.
*Actual student/name has been changed to protect child’s identity
