Technology
West Point Computer Bridge Design Contest
The bridge design software is free to download. I have last year's version loaded on my computers. The new version needed for the next competition comes out in January. This contest is free to enter, and you can enter as many times as you like. You can work on your own or with a partner. Last year, two of my students placed in the local competition and attended an awards dinner in Boston. I suggest a lot of practice with the software, actually reading the instructions and faq's, and doing some research online about different styles of bridges.
Scratch Computer Programming
A computer programming language developed for kids at MIT that is free to download. This software is great for making animations and computer games. I am pretty good with Scratch so ask me for help if you get stuck. Here are a few project ideas:
Intel: How Computers Work
This site will teach you about the history of computers and how they work from the inside out.
Code Academy
Learn how to program using Java. Simple and fun way to learn professional programming skills.
Light-Bot
Practice your computer programming skills by playing this computer game.
The Super Book of Web Tools
Lots of great online tools for creating presentations, animations, artwork, music and more. Scroll down to see a list of the best tools for middle school.
The bridge design software is free to download. I have last year's version loaded on my computers. The new version needed for the next competition comes out in January. This contest is free to enter, and you can enter as many times as you like. You can work on your own or with a partner. Last year, two of my students placed in the local competition and attended an awards dinner in Boston. I suggest a lot of practice with the software, actually reading the instructions and faq's, and doing some research online about different styles of bridges.
Scratch Computer Programming
A computer programming language developed for kids at MIT that is free to download. This software is great for making animations and computer games. I am pretty good with Scratch so ask me for help if you get stuck. Here are a few project ideas:
- Program a Rock, Paper, Scissors Game
- Make an Etch - Sketch in Scratch. When you turn the knobs a line is drawn on the screen in that direction. Start with a dot in the middle of the screen. Use the arrow keys to move the dot and leave a trail behind. Use the space bar to clear the screen.
- Chutes and Ladders. Search Google for a picture of the board. Then you just need to program the dice and the pieces.
- Of course there’s always Tic-Tac-Toe. You can make it better though by always having a winner. When the last square is taken, remove the oldest “X” and “O” until there is a winner.
Intel: How Computers Work
This site will teach you about the history of computers and how they work from the inside out.
Code Academy
Learn how to program using Java. Simple and fun way to learn professional programming skills.
Light-Bot
Practice your computer programming skills by playing this computer game.
The Super Book of Web Tools
Lots of great online tools for creating presentations, animations, artwork, music and more. Scroll down to see a list of the best tools for middle school.