1st Maker Space, IPS Partner on Computer Science
(photo courtesy of our partners at WFYI)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndianapolis-based 1st Maker Space LLC is partnering with Indianapolis Public Schools on a multi-year initiative to provide students with the chance to learn how to code. The company says #CSforIPS will utilize robots from Wonder Workshop, which aims to create a fun way to engage kids as they learn coding.
The initiative is set to begin with a cohort of 25 K-8 schools. 1st Maker Space Chief Executive Officer Mary Rinehart says all IPS buildings participating in the initiative will receive a large Wonder Workshop Kit.
The partners say 50 computer science champions will coach teachers on how to incorporate computer science into their classroom instruction.
“Each Champion received virtual professional development in July and will receive follow-up support, either virtually or in-person, throughout the year. In addition to receiving professional development, all IPS buildings participating in the project will receive a large Wonder Workshop Kit for implementation,” said Rinehart. “Physical computing is where the magic happens in computer science, and bringing Dash, Dot and Cue into the classroom will give students the opportunity to make these robots light up, move and make sound. Dash also has a virtual neighborhood for students to explore. We want to inspire students to learn.”
1st Maker Space says the initiative is more than a year in the making. It is being funded by support from the Eli Lilly and Co. Foundation as well as the IPS Foundation.