In Lower School, our learning design involves high engagement, structured so that students are drawn into appropriate levels of challenge. Curiosity and creativity are nurtured, along with consistent encouragement for teamwork and partner work. Students are encouraged to try new things, and to think and talk through problem-solving steps.
For the past two years, students in third and fourth grade were presented with a midyear coding focus, with choices to create, load, and test programs for
Ozobots. During the final term in fourth grade, all students worked in teams to program drones that flew indoor challenge tasks. This year, we are excited to grow our computational thinking in new directions. This fall, all students in grades Kindergarten through four will focus on coding at developmentally appropriate levels. Older elementary students will work with robotic devices using
EdBlocks, a fully graphical robot programming language ideal for students aged 8 to 12 years old.
Primary grades focus on using class collections of iPads, integrated across the curriculum. Upper Elementary students utilize iPads, Chromebooks, and laptops. Fourth graders are introduced to Google Drive throughout the year. For third and fourth grade students, tech basics include digital education, keyboarding/writing, creative mixed media and presentations, and building research skills.
To learn more, visit the
STEM in Cannon's Lower School webpage.