In this lesson students will use the Makecode.microbit.org site to create block coding projects. In addition, they will think critically about what their coding products do. Finally, they will create a combination Light & Temperature Meter.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In Lesson 2, students will complete three tutorials to learn about Random Numbers, Variables, and If/Then Statements using MakeCode code blocks and Micro:bits. Then they will dissect a pre-made program by writing Pseudo-code before using it as the basis for a Board Game which the student designs.

Estimated time required: 2-3 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Electronics Kit, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students will use the same Block Coding techniques from Lesson 2 to make a Platform / Side-scrolling Arcade game in MakeCode Arcade.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students will incorporate Functions, Arrays and Iteration into their arcade game started in previous lesson.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Code Editor, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students will come up with their own idea for a superhero and start their comic book by creating a cover. They will be working on their comic book throughout this Unit and will turn it in when it is completed.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students will learn about the Verizon Innovative Learning Smart Solutions course and add a biography to their comic book.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students will learn about the technology being utilized throughout the Smart Solutions course and design a gadget for their superhero.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students will learn about entrepreneurship by watching and reading about young entrepreneurs and their ideas. Then, students will design a superhero logo in order to begin to understand the concept of branding.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

In this lesson, students will learn about the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, and societal, and how they relate to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Then, students will apply this information in order to understand the choices they will have for their projects within this course. At the end of this lesson, students will engage in an activity where they add to their comic books by choosing from three different sustainability villains.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, Tablet.

Lesson 4 is a step-by-step guide for the classroom which focuses on exploring and acknowledging the presence of Black people in the future and in space-related fields. It starts with students reading and discussing an interview with Samuel R. Delany. Then, students view a Black Futures artwork and information about Black astronauts, reflecting on the implications and spaces where they would like to see Black people fully represented. The lesson concludes with a design challenge task to make the best spaceship, either out of origami or recyclable trash. There is a recommended work time of 20+ minutes for building the spaceships, and students can submit their work for publishing on Instagram or email. The lesson is part of the #Kinfolk and #BlackFutures campaigns.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Augmented Reality, Internet Connectivity, Laptop/Desktop, Smartphone, Tablet, Tablet or Smartphone.

In this lesson, students will explore the structures of generalized and specialized cells like brain cells, by engaging with the Looking Inside: Cells VR app, then applying that knowledge to a neuron activity worksheet. Students will then connect structure and function in a neuron by exploring neural networks and communication through the Build Your Network digital interactive. This lesson plan is 1 of 2 that are meant to be taught in sequence, as students apply the knowledge from lesson 1 to lesson 2.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, VR Headset (Optional).

This lesson is designed to introduce students to the unique structure of neurons and how they communicate with each other through cell structure review via the Looking Inside: Cells app and a hands-on neurotransmission game. This lesson plan is 2 of 2 that are meant to be taught in sequence, as students apply the knowledge from lesson 1 to lesson 2.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Laptop/Desktop, VR Headset (Optional).

To better understand the role of mass and gravity in the formation and existence of black holes we will model the collapse of a star into a black hole using aluminum foil. Along the way students will measure the decreasing circumference, and constant mass of their star as it collapses.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: .

In this lesson, students will use the CocoCast app to learn civics and social studies. These lessons are inspired by the San Diego Museum of African American Art’s 3-D exhibit titled “The Buses Are Coming” from August 2022. The lessons in this series will leverage augmented reality (AR) and use CocoCast, an app created by Three Space Lab, to be used on an iPad to allow learners to examine an artifact that would be otherwise inaccessible. The choice to employ AR will allow learners to experience the complexity of the emotions surrounding the bombing of the Freedom Ride bus in Anniston, Georgia. The lesson supports the development of oracy and literacy skills as students learn to evaluate historical events. NOTE: This lesson is part one of a four lesson sequence.

Estimated time required: 1 class period.

Technology required for this lesson: Augmented Reality, Internet Connectivity, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet or Smartphone.

In this lesson, students will use the CocoCast app to learn civics and social studies. These lessons are inspired by the San Diego Museum of African American Art’s 3-D exhibit titled “The Buses Are Coming” of August 2022. The lessons in this series will leverage augmented reality (AR) and use CocoCast, an app created by Three Space Lab to be used on the iPad, to allow learners to examine an artifact that would be otherwise inaccessible. The choice to employ AR will allow learners to experience the complexity of the emotions surrounding the bombing of the Freedom Ride bus in Anniston, Georgia. The lesson supports the development of oracy and literacy skills as students learn to evaluate historical events. NOTE: This lesson is part two of a four lesson sequence.
In Segment 2, learners will interact with the 3D model of the burning bus using CocoCast.

Estimated time required: 1 class period.

Technology required for this lesson: Augmented Reality, Internet Connectivity, Laptop/Desktop, Tablet or Smartphone.

In this lesson, students will use the CocoCast app to learn civics and social studies. These lessons are inspired by the San Diego Museum of African American Fine Art's exhibit entitled, "TheBusesAreComing,”of August 2022. The lessons in this series will leverage augmented reality (AR) and use CocoCast, an app created by Three Space Lab to be used on the iPad, to allow learners to examine an artifact that would be otherwise inaccessible. The choice to employ AR will allow learners to experience the complexity of the emotions surrounding the bombing of the Freedom Ride bus in Anniston, Georgia. The lesson supports the development of oracy and literacy skills as students learn to evaluate historical events. NOTE: This lesson is part three of a four lesson sequence.

In Segment 3, learners will interact with the 3D model of the burning bus using CocoCast.

Estimated time required: 1 class period.

Technology required for this lesson: Augmented Reality, Internet Connectivity, Tablet or Smartphone.

In this lesson, students will use the CocoCast app to learn civics and social studies. These lessons are inspired by the San Diego Museum of African American Art’s 3-D exhibit titled “The Buses Are Coming” of August 2022. The lessons in this series will leverage augmented reality (AR) and use CocoCast, an app created by Three Space Lab to be used on the iPad, to allow learners to examine an artifact that would be otherwise inaccessible. The choice to employ AR will allow learners to experience the complexity of the emotions surrounding the bombing of the Freedom Ride bus in Anniston, Georgia. The lesson supports the development of oracy and literacy skills as students learn to evaluate historical events. NOTE: This lesson is part four of a four lesson sequence.

In Segment 4, learners will create an AR artifact and take action using social media.

Estimated time required: 1 class period.

Technology required for this lesson: .

In this lesson, students will use the Career Day app to learn about skills, aptitude tests, and related occupations. This is lesson one of five, which is designed to be taught in a sequence.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Augmented Reality, Smartphone.

In this lesson, the teacher will engage the class in a discussion about the value of STEM skills and the value of creativity. Remind the students to refer to their Career Day app assessment results and resources. This is lesson two of five, which is designed to be taught in a sequence.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Augmented Reality, Smartphone.

In this lesson, students will use the Career Day app for interviewing their chosen subject. This is lesson three of five, which is designed to be taught in a sequence.

Estimated time required: 1-2 class periods.

Technology required for this lesson: Augmented Reality.