Coding + Math: Strengthen K-5 Math Skills With Computer Science

by Nicol R. Howard, Keith E. Howard

Overview

This book offers a deep dive into computer science integration, providing guidelines for designing elementary CS/math curricula through case studies and practical examples.

How-to books related to computer science (CS) and teaching CS in K-12 environments are often either step-by-step guides or reference books, with little or no connection to pedagogy. By contrast, Coding + Math offers the analytical foundation teachers need to inform their practice, specifically in mathematics.

Grounded in research, the book’s mini-lessons contrast visual-based coding with text-based programming and provide guidance in the selection and creation of lessons, instructional materials and CS platforms to help educators prepare students for the careers of the future.

The book:

• Includes case studies in each chapter, with a research snapshot that contextualizes the key elements of the case study.
• Offers strategies for “getting out the blocks” and introducing text-based CS when students are ready.
• Examines the rationale and effectiveness of scaffolded approaches to CS — such as block coding, scripted and storyboarding — vs. traditional syntax-based and problem-solving approaches.
• Ties effective teaching strategies directly to the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards, ISTE’s Standards for Computer Science Educators and the ISTE Computational Thinking Competencies.

Coding + Math will strengthen the ties between math and CS to support students’ achievement in math, as well as their future CS course selections and pursuits of CS careers.

Audience: K-5 educators

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781564848253
Publisher:	International Society for Technology in Education
Publication date:	04/14/2020
Series:	Computational Thinking and Coding in the Curriculum
Pages:	134
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Keith E. Howard, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Attallah College of Education Studies at Chapman University. His research interests include technology use in education, ethical issues in K-12 education and equity issues in mathematics. Howard previously worked as a mathematics teacher, computer science teacher and technology coordinator in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Table of Contents

Introduction

What's in This Book? 2

Who Is This Book For? 3

1 Overview of Computer Science in K-5 Mathematics

Block Coding: Meaningful Programming or Just Scratching the Surface? 7

Computational Thinking Concepts 10

Computational Thinking Practices 14

Computational Thinking Perspectives 17

A Look Ahead 18

2 Focusing the Learning

What About the Standards? 26

Planning Coding and Math Instruction 34

3 Data Dialogue

Project Introduction to Variables 43

Mathematical Connections 60

4 Operations and Loops

Operators 68

Loops 68

Project Loops 70

Mathematical Connections 83

5 Events and Conditionals

Events 88

Conditionals 88

Project Events and Conditionals 91

Mathematical Connections 100

6 Diving Deeper into CS and Math Connections

Promoting Reasoning and Problem-Solving 110

Project Native Peoples Bead-Looming Project Using Snap! 114

7 Final Thoughts

Next Steps 121

References 124

Index 130