The Maine Department of Education provided an opportunity for districts to apply for free mobile computer science labs. RSU 67 applied and has been approved to receive nine labs, 3 for each school. The options for districts to choose from were focused on one of three areas.
The Robotics and Programming lab engages students in the basics of robotics and programming by integrating Sphero technology in the classroom. Students can learn core computer science concepts, dig into computational thinking, and take things to the next level through programming. This mobile lab offers opportunities for “unplugged” learning.
The Augment and Virtual Reality lab provides educators and students with a new level of digital creation and consumption with Merge EDU, CoSpaces, and Merge Cubes. Increase engagement through augmented reality learning experiences and enhance project-based learning by engaging students in 3D design. This mobile lab serves as a great entry point into computer science for all content areas.
With the Coding and Hardware lab,
students will learn about hardware and engage in coding through these
Lego-based labs. Each lab is customized for elementary and secondary
classrooms. Pair these Lego sets with Scratch and create an environment
where students have agency and can see what they do on their computers
come to life. This mobile lab offers opportunities for “unplugged”
learning.
Mattanawcook Academy will be receiving one of each type of lab. Mattanawcook Junior High will be receiving one of the robotics labs and two of the coding and hardware labs. Ella P Burr will be receiving two robotics and programming labs and one augment and a virtual reality lab. The labs are supplied entirely by the Maine DOE with equipment adjusted based on the age of the students who will be using the equipment.
We are excited about the opportunity to include this type of computer science programming within all of our schools.