Coding/ Computing Products 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)

Coding a Classification System

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

It’s crucial that today’s students become fluent in computer science skills and concepts. In this Coding a Classification System PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will build their computer science fluency as they conduct research on a topic of their choosing and develop a fully functional coding application to help them gain a better understanding of their research. Students will utilize computer programming software to go through the process of finding, organizing, classifying, and presenting research. In addition, students will create a visual and written plan for the logic of their program and create a fully functional program that takes user input and answers the student’s original question.
  • Grade Band: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
  • Primary Focus: ES: Programing   |   MS, HS: Physical Computing, Computer Programming
  • Secondary Focus: ES: Research   |   MS, HS: Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Suggested Product Category: Physical Computing
  • Teq Product Alignment: ClassVR, Piper (Specific Tech. Required for ES version)
  • Academic Alignment: Coding, Computer Science, Science, STEM
  • CTE Alignment: Digital Technology

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking itdown into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering. (NGSS: HS-ETS1-2)

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.

Fashion for Function: Smart Wearables

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Wearable technology has changed quite drastically since the first items hit stores. Some of the most drastic changes and innovations in “smart” wearables have been focused on making them aesthetically pleasing while also serving a purpose, whether that’s fashion, health, or entertainment. In this Fashion for Function: Smart Wearables PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will design a unique piece of wearable technology that fulfills a function. Who knows — maybe one day it will climb to the top of gift idea lists!
  • Grade Band: 6-8
  • Primary Focus: Design, Fabrication, Engineering
  • Secondary Focus: ELA, Marketing
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), AR/VR, Electronics/Circuitry Kits, Physical Computing
  • Teq Product Alignment: 3Doodler, Cricut, Maker & Coder, Makerbot, Makey Makey, Strawbees, Ultimaker, xTool
  • Academic Alignment: Engineering, Art & Design, Coding, Science, STEM
  • CTE Alignment: Advanced Manufacturing, Arts, Entertainment, and Design, Healthcare & Human Services
An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).
Here is a sample content standard for this Fashion for Function: Smart Wearables PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock:
Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. (NGSS: MS-ETS1-2)

Growing a Hydroponic Garden

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Agriculture has always been one of the building blocks of human civilization. Humanity has changed a lot since civilization first began, and that includes the way we grow our plants. In this Growing a Hydroponic Garden PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will explore different agricultural structures and incorporate emerging resources to cultivate a technologically enhanced botanical space. Students will also tackle challenges like growing plants in space-conscious environments for a rapidly growing population, and together discover the future of sustainable gardening.
  • Grade Band: 9-12
  • Primary Focus: Ecology, Engineering
  • Secondary Focus: STEM
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Hydroponics Units, AR/VR, Physical Computing , Data Loggers
  • Teq Product Alignment: Formlabs, ClassVR, Makerbot, Shaper, Ultimaker, xTool
  • Academic Alignment: Coding, Hydroponics, Science, STEM, Engineering
  • CTE Alignment: Construction, Agriculture
An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems. (NGSS: HS-ESS3-4)

Reimagining Public Transportation

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Millions of people around the United States take a train to work each day. Some of these commuters live a short distance from their destination, but many travel over an hour just to get to work! Can you imagine a workweek where a minimum of 2 hours each day is spent commuting? As the number of people commuting only continues to grow, innovators are continually seeking to make transportation more efficient by building faster trains that can carry more passengers. In this Reimagining Public Transportation PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will develop an understanding of efficiency by building their own model train, capable of either going faster, or carrying more weight than their peers.
An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the effects of balance and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. (NGSS: 3-PS2-1)

Robotics: Robotic Amusement Park

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

For over 100 years, amusement parks have garnered the love of many families through their incredible rides. In this Robotics: Robotic Amusement Park PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will research various amusement park rides so that they can design and build their own dream ride. Along the way, they’ll test their design and make improvements. Finally, the students will get their creations ready for their grand debut, and even bring their rides together to create a class theme park.
An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
A solution needs to be tested, and then modified on the basis of the test results, in order to improve it. (NGSS: MS-ETS1-4)

Coding/ Computing Products