Piper iBlock Topics

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)

Rube Goldberg Machines

iBlocks Project Based Learning Objective:

Rube Goldberg Machines accomplish a simple task through an elaborately humorous and overcomplicated method. In this Rube Goldberg Machines PBL (Project-Based Learning) iBlock, challenge your students to think outside the box and discover the unexpected kinetic properties in everyday objects as they design their own Rube Goldberg Machine (RGM). In order to build their contraption, students will research and explore simple machines and chain reactions and how they both relate to the world around them. From ideation to interaction, students will engage in creative thinking, critical reasoning, and teamwork as they engineer these truly unique machines.

Grade Band: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Primary Focus: ES, MS: Problem-Solving, Engineering, Design | HS: Engineering, Design, Physics
Secondary Focus: ES, MS: ELA, Communication | HS: ELA, Business
Additional Foci: Advanced Literacy, Transferable Skills, Social-Emotional Learning
Suggested Product Category: 3D Modeling (incl. 3D printers, laser & craft cutters), Pre-built Coding Robots, Buildable Robots & Kits, Electronics/Circuitry Kits, Robotic Arms, Physical Computing
Teq Product Alignment: 3Doodler, BirdBrain Finch Robot, BirdBrain Hummingbird Robotics Kit, ClassVR, Cricut, Dobot, Formlabs, KIBO, KUBO, Makerbot, Makey Makey, Maplewoodshop, Modular Robotics Cubelets, Ozobot, Ozobot Ora, Piper, Shaper, Strawbees, UBTECH, Ultimaker, Wonder Workshop, xTool
Academic Alignment: STEM, Art & Design, ELA, Engineering, Science, Robotics, Coding
CTE Alignment: Arts, Entertainment, and Design, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction

An iBlock matches skills to standards (like Common Core or NGSS).

Here is a sample content standard for this iBlock:

Make observations to provide evidence that energy is conserved as it is transferred and/or converted from one form to another. (NGSS: 4-PS3-2.)

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