Category Archives: Technology

Adapting Classic Computer Science Problems for Elementary Students: Case Study of the Four Color Map Theorem

Posted on March 13, 2013 by JohnHeffernan

Here’s the abstract for a little research project I am planning for my final project for my inquiry learning course.  Still trying to pinpoint exactly what to collect for data and what I am looking for.  I tend to be … Continue reading →

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Computer Programming at Williamsburg Schools

Posted on March 5, 2013 by JohnHeffernan

There’s been a lot of buzz about a recent video featuring Mark Zuckerberg (founder of FaceBook) and Bill Gates (co-founder of Microsoft).  You can watch it at http://www.code.org/.  The video advocates the teaching of programming to students (including young students).  … Continue reading →

Posted in Robotics, Teaching, Technology | 2 Comments

English Language Arts Common Standards That Relate to Technology

Posted on January 30, 2013 by JohnHeffernan

Massachusetts Common Core Writing Standards with Explicit Technology Integration Compiled by John Heffernan, Williamsburg Schools Guiding Principle 3 An effective English language arts and literacy curriculum draws on informational texts and multimedia in order to build academic vocabulary and strong … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching, Technology | 1 Comment

Data Analysis And Implications – Grade 6 Survey

Posted on January 23, 2013 by JohnHeffernan

In a previous post ( https://kidsengineer.com/?p=572 ) I showed a graph of sixth grade attitudes towards computers/technology and engineering as a career.  This results were pre/post surveys before and after a grade 6 robotics unit.  The students had not experienced … Continue reading →

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The Times They Are A Changing

Posted on November 8, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I was teaching robotics today at a new school and the 6th graders were timing their cars to determine the velocity.  I started to tell them to use the second hand of the classroom clock to time their cars going … Continue reading →

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Robot Kits Stacked and Ready To Go

Posted on September 19, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I am looking forward to starting 4th grade robotics this week.  We will do the LEGO WeDo Soccer Unit and then an open ended challenge.  Here’s how I store the robot kits in my “new” space.

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Grade 6 Survey Results

Posted on July 4, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

This cohort had 2 years of LEGO robotics.  Last year’s only had one.  Also, the unit was much more successful this year.  I did change the wording of the engineering question slightly this year to match another study sponsored by … Continue reading →

Posted in Child Development, Research, Robotics, Technology | 3 Comments

First Year of Case Study – Observations

Posted on June 12, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I saw some interesting things in the first year of the seven-year longitudinal case study of engineering skills of young children from grades K to 6.  Each year, they will be given a variety of materials and be asked to … Continue reading →

Posted in Child Development, Research, Robotics, Technology | 3 Comments

Teacher Interview – How Is Robotics Different Than More Traditional Activities?

Posted on June 8, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

I found this grade 5 teacher very inspiring in her willingness to try something new.  Her experience with robotics was obviously very affirming to me  because what I have been trying to do is having an impact on teachers and … Continue reading →

Posted in Robotics, Teaching, Technology | 2 Comments

Science Fair Take Apart Center

Posted on May 9, 2012 by JohnHeffernan

Students excitedly take apart old computers at our 2012 Williamsburg, MA Science Fair and learn about computers in the process.

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