Case Studies

Coding 2D Games During the School Day at Katz Hillel

Coding 2D Games During the School Day at Katz Hillel

Katz Hillel Day School, committed to academic excellence, forged a school-day partnership with ScholarStem. Together, we enhanced their regular tech period by immersing students in coding, animation, and game design. By year's end, students from Grades 1-5 created memorable projects, including a series of animations that championed ocean conservation.

Scope

  • Integration of ScholarStem instruction from 9-3:30 PM throughout the school year.
  • Targeted teaching for Grades 1-5, with students engaging 2 days per week for 40-minute sessions.

Coursework

  • Grade 1: Introduction to animations and basic games using iPads and Scratch Jr.
  • Grades 2-5: Advanced coding lessons to create intricate animations and 2D games with Scratch.
  • Core coding principles were instilled in students for understanding block-based languages.

Outcomes

  • Empowered students to design a myriad of projects, with a keen focus on diverse topics including ocean preservation.
  • Culminated in a school-wide showcase, where students confidently presented their digital masterpieces.

The Challenge

While Katz Hillel recognized the potential of integrating tech education, the challenge lay in seamlessly embedding a comprehensive coding curriculum during regular school hours. How could ScholarStem ensure engaging, age-appropriate, and thematic digital creation sessions throughout the year?

The Plan

The integration was more than just an academic success. It was a journey of discovery, creativity, and real-world application for students. Witnessing their animated stories and games, especially those underscoring the importance of ecological preservation, reinforced the mission of ScholarStem and Katz Hillel Day School: to provide holistic, future-forward, and purposeful education.

Thank you to ScholarStem – you were a real asset to our students over the past two years.

Hadassah S.

Principal, Katz Hillel Day School

Highlights

Animate to Protect the Ocean

3rd graders delved into the pressing issue of ocean acidification. By producing an engaging animation in the visual coding language, Scratch, they illuminated the profound impacts on marine ecosystems.

Frog Jump Jr.

1st graders took on their first animation challenge using iPads and a wonderful beginner coding app called Scratch Jr. Their goal was to design a cartoon of a frog jumping

Conclusion

The integration was more than just an academic success. It was a journey of discovery, creativity, and real-world application for students. Witnessing their animated stories and games, especially those underscoring the importance of ecological preservation, reinforced the mission of ScholarStem and Katz Hillel Day School: to provide holistic, future-forward, and purposeful education.

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