App Building iBlock Topics

Becoming a Digital Citizen with MAD-learn

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

In the Becoming a Digital Citizen PBL iBlock, students will learn about what it means to be a digital citizen and the responsibilities that come with it. In addition, they will learn about app design and creation. Then, they’ll plan, design, create, test, and improve an app of their own to educate users on becoming a digital citizen. Students will create a pathway to digital citizenship utilizing MAD-learn’s app development platform. Finally, students will have the option to create a new mission statement for their school, incorporating elements of digital citizenship to bring the mission statement into the 21st century.
  • Grade Band: 6-8
  • Primary Focus: Digital Citizenship
  • Secondary Focus: Computer Science & Digital Fluency
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Suggested Product Category: Mobile App Development
  • Product Alignment: MAD-learn (Specific Tech. Required)
  • Academic Alignment: Computer Science, Coding, Social Studies, ELA
  • CTE Alignment: Digital Technology
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts. (NYS Next Gen. ELA: RH7 6-8)

Building Literacy: Create a Short Story

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Despite the natural fast-paced read element to short stories, this type of literature typically contains the same components of a standard novel including characters, conflict, plot, and a theme. In this Building Literacy: Create a Short Story PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will develop a short story using their knowledge of literary elements and work through the process of writing a story: character development, narrative arc, developing visuals, reviewing one another’s work, and presenting their final product.
  • Grade Band: 6-8
  • Primary Focus: ELA, Writing
  • Secondary Focus: Art
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Suggested Product Category: Mobile App Development, Video Game Creation/Gamification, AR/VR
  • Teq Product Alignment: ClassVR, Breakout EDU, Gif-O-Graf
  • Academic Alignment: ELA, Literacy
  • CTE Alignment: Arts, Entertainment, and Design
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
In literary texts, analyze how elements of plot are related, affect one another, and contribute to meaning. (6-8R3; RL)

Building Literacy: Design a Comic Book

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

From images, to text, to color palette, there is a lot to consider when designing a comic book. How are comics similar to a short story? How are they different? In this Building Literacy: Design a Comic Book PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will investigate the history of comics and various comic texts before creating their own masterpiece. With attention to how established comic artists perfect their craft, these modules will help unleash creativity and provide a new means of expression. Finally, students will bring all of their hard work together as they create their very own comic convention.
  • Grade Bands: 6-8, 9-12
  • Primary Focus: ELA, Art
  • Secondary Focus: Communication, Visual Design
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Mobile App Development
  • Teq Product Alignment: Cricut
  • Academic Alignment: ELA, Art & Design, Literacy
  • CTE Alignment: Arts, Entertainment, and Design
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters.(NYS Next Gen. ELA: 7W3b)

Design Your Own Escape Room

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Escape room games are a fun amusement, but they also provide an opportunity to explore the history of new gaming formats, problem-solving skills, and even storytelling. In this Design Your Own Escape Room PBL iBlock, students will learn more about the history and culture of this “new” form of entertainment, and then plan, design, and construct their very own!
  • Grade Band: 9-12
  • Primary Focus: Design Thinking
  • Secondary Focus: Problem Solving, Engineering
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Mobile App Development, Video Game Creation/Gamification, Electronics/Circuitry Kits, Physical Computing
  • Teq Product Alignment: 3Doodler, Bloxels, Breakout EDU, ClassVR, Cricut, Formlabs, Makerbot, Makey Makey, Maplewoodshop, Shaper, Ultimaker, xTool
  • Academic Alignment: Coding, ELA, Engineering, STEM, Art & Design
  • CTE Alignment: Arts, Entertainment, and Design, Hospitality, Events, and Tourism, Advanced Manufacturing
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
Evaluate applications of cryptographic methods. (NYS Comp. Sci. & Digital Fluency: 9-12.CY.4)
Evaluate the effectiveness of an image or images to influence ideas, feelings, and behaviors of specific audiences.(National Core Arts Standards: VA.Re.7.2.IIa)
Breakout EDU
Escape Room iBlock now with Breakout EDU
Breakout EDU provides an opportunity for students to play active roles in their classrooms. Watch engagement soar as students become immersed in the game – asking questions, solving problems, and participating in group discussions.

Financial Literacy

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

You may have heard it said before, but it’s never too early to start preparing for your financial future. In this project-based learning iBlock, students will explore key concepts in personal finance and map out a plan in order to give them a secure financial future. Tasks include creating a budget, preparing savings and credit accounts, building an investment portfolio, and presenting the final product.
  • Grade Band: 6-8, 9-12
  • Primary Focus: Economics, Financial Literacy
  • Secondary Focus: Future Readiness
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Suggested Product Category: Mobile App Development
  • Teq Product Alignment: ClassVR
  • Academic Alignment: Mathematics, Financial Literacy, Social Studies
  • CTE Alignment: Financial Services
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
Having an organized system for keeping track of spending, saving, and investing makes it easier to make financial decisions. (National Standards for Personal Financial Education: Spending 12-9)

Get Your Dream Job

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

As a young child, you probably remember an adult asking you those famous words, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As we continue through school, we learn about employment opportunities and aspire for a “dream job.” However, many candidates often become overwhelmed with the process of landing their dream job before they even realize if it is a good fit. In this Get Your Dream Job PBL iBlock, students will explore and identify how to determine if a career is tailored to one’s desired lifestyle goals, skills, and passions. They will create a vision board, build a portfolio, craft application materials, participate in a mock interview, and even showcase their hard work at a career fair! Students will definitely be future-ready with this experience!
  • Grade Band: 9-12
  • Primary Focus: Career Readiness, ELA
  • Secondary Focus: Communication, Computer Science, Critical Thinking
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Suggested Product Category: Mobile App Development
  • Teq Product Alignment: ClassVR
  • Academic Alignment: ELA, Computer Science, Social Studies, Literacy
  • CTE Alignment: Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Supply Chain & Transportation, Arts, Entertainment, and Design, Hospitality, Events, and Tourism, Financial Services, Education, Healthcare & Human Services, Public Service & Safety, Agriculture, Energy & Natural Resources, Digital Technology, Marketing & Sales, Management & Entrepreneurship
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
Integrate and evaluate visual and technical information (e.g., in research data, charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts. (NYS Next Gen. ELA: RH7)
Use precise language and content-specific vocabulary to express the appropriate complexity of the topic. (NYS Next Gen. ELA: 9-10W1c)

The Cotton Candy iBlock

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Learning opportunities are everywhere, even inside your candy jar! In the Cotton Candy PBL iBlock, students will research the history of sugar, its molecular structure, and even candy making machinery before trying their hand at making their own sweets, including cotton candy! Students will then expand their product lineup by creating or perfecting a treat to showcase at their very own Candy & Sweets Expo. If desired, computer-aided design (CAD) can also be used to make candy molds and/or displays. Graphical software can be used for packaging products as well. This is a great opportunity for students to explore important science, physics, and historical concepts in the Cotton Candy PBL iBlock.
  • Grade Band: 6-8
  • Primary Focus: Science, STEM
  • Secondary Focus: Social Studies
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Mobile App Development
  • Teq Product Alignment: 3Doodler, ClassVR, Cricut, Formlabs, Makerbot, Ultimaker, xTool
  • Academic Alignment: STEM, Science, Social Studies, Engineering, Art & Design
  • CTE Alignment: Hospitality, Events, and Tourism, Arts, Entertainment, and Design
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
Solids may be formed from molecules, or they may be extended structures with repeating subunits (e.g., crystals). (NGSS: MS-PS1-1)

App Building