Board Games- Coding Unplugged
There are some really beautiful coding-based board games available.
A quick search of Pintrest will result in a growing range of printable, low cost board games that can be implemented in the classroom.
One thing I have discovered when creating those print and play games, is that often they don't work out cheaper. By the time they are printed, laminated and the 'cost' of labor is factored in, they are often not a cost-effective option.
Scholastic has released a board game called Let's Go Code! It is tagged as being part of their STEM collection, and suitable for ages 5+. It is also available for around $15-$20, which means that it is achievable to purchase multiple copies.
Lets PMI it:
Positives:
* The game is fun.
* It is an easy way to resource unplugged coding.
* Affordable option
* Readily available in NZ
* Schools could potentially use Scholastic credit to purchase!
* No man-hours required to create the resource.
Minus:
* The box is flimsy at best.
* There seems to be about 20 million game pieces (actually, the box says there is 115).
* This isn't the start and end of unplugged coding. It is a resource to add to your repertoire.
Interesting:
* I totally recommend having a go by yourself before introducing it to the class, because it requires a little bit of concentration to begin with.
* Junior/ middle classes may need more support to implement initially. In junior classes I would try have an adult sit with the group to teach it.
Personally, I think the game is worth purchasing. I have purchased two under our budget, and will expand that out to three or four shortly. This means multiple groups/ classes could be using the resource across the school.
A quick search of Pintrest will result in a growing range of printable, low cost board games that can be implemented in the classroom.
One thing I have discovered when creating those print and play games, is that often they don't work out cheaper. By the time they are printed, laminated and the 'cost' of labor is factored in, they are often not a cost-effective option.
Scholastic has released a board game called Let's Go Code! It is tagged as being part of their STEM collection, and suitable for ages 5+. It is also available for around $15-$20, which means that it is achievable to purchase multiple copies.
Lets PMI it:
Positives:
* The game is fun.
* It is an easy way to resource unplugged coding.
* Affordable option
* Readily available in NZ
* Schools could potentially use Scholastic credit to purchase!
* No man-hours required to create the resource.
Minus:
* The box is flimsy at best.
* There seems to be about 20 million game pieces (actually, the box says there is 115).
* This isn't the start and end of unplugged coding. It is a resource to add to your repertoire.
Interesting:
* I totally recommend having a go by yourself before introducing it to the class, because it requires a little bit of concentration to begin with.
* Junior/ middle classes may need more support to implement initially. In junior classes I would try have an adult sit with the group to teach it.
Personally, I think the game is worth purchasing. I have purchased two under our budget, and will expand that out to three or four shortly. This means multiple groups/ classes could be using the resource across the school.
Comments
Post a Comment