Digital Technology 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)

Create a Video Game

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Within the last 40 years, video games have been an essential part of our media entertainment. From arcades to home consoles, and now to our smartphones, video games have found many outlets in which new audiences can be reached. In this Create a Video Game PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will create their own compelling video game from start to finish using Bloxels, and then create their own official video game reviews.
  • Grade Band: 6-8, 9-12
  • Primary Focus: Literacy
  • Secondary Focus: Engineering, Design
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Suggested Product Category: Video Game Creation/Gamification, Physical Computing
  • Teq Product Alignment: Bloxels (Specific Tech. Required), Makey Makey (Specific Tech. Required for Ext.)
  • Academic Alignment: ELA, Literacy, Engineering, Art & Design, STEM
  • CTE Alignment: Arts, Entertainment, and Design, Digital Technology
An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
Determine the key ideas or conclusions of a source; trace the source’s explanation or depiction of a complex process, phenomenon, or concept; provide an accurate summary of the source. (NYS Next Gen. ELA: 9-10RST2)

Engineering an Assistive Game Controller

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

In this Engineering an Assistive Game Controller PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will learn about inclusivity, game controller design, and the gaming industry. Then, they’ll work towards creating a game controller for a gamer with disabilities to use with a simple coded video game. This project-based learning iBlock takes students through the engineering design process from research on disabilities and the history of the game controller to designing and building an assistive controller and simple game, to improving their device and hosting an arcade event!
An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).
Here is a sample content standard for this 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)

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)

Mars Colony: Engineering Expedition

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

It is the not-too-distant future and humankind is getting ready to take the next great step in space exploration: a colony on Mars! Intrepid individuals with skills in various STEAM areas are called to assist in planning and building the future colony, and the most daring of them will live there as the very first Martians! In this Mars Colony: Engineering Expedition PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, students will research space exploration, Mars, and survival essentials before planning for a historic trip to populate a new planet. Students will need to plan and build solutions for the essentials — habitat, transportation, communication, and more. Together, we can bring humanity to the next era of its development.
  • Grade Band: 6-8
  • Primary Focus: Engineering, Social Studies
  • Secondary Focus: Communication, Mathematics
  • Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
  • Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), AR/VR, Pre-built Coding Robots, Buildable Robots & Kits, Electronics/Circuitry Kits
  • Teq Product Alignment: BirdBrain Hummingbird Robotics Kit, Breakout EDU, ClassVR, Cricut, Makerbot, Merge, Ozobot, UBTECH, Ultimaker, Wonder Workshop
  • Academic Alignment: Coding, Engineering, Robotics, Science, STEM
  • CTE Alignment: Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Supply Chain & Transportation, Hospitality, Events, and Tourism, Digital Technology
An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).
Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:
Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions. (NGSS: MS-ETS1-1.)

Digital Technology