Shape It, Move It, Code It!
Shape It, Move It, Code It With the unknown of continued online learning and implementation of the new Math curriculum, our proposal is to share a previously piloted project incorporating math, coding and dance. Our project is cross-curricular (Dance, Math, Coding) and spans across grade bands. Although we worked with Kindergarten and Grade 4 students, this project could be adapted to any grade level. We combined Kindergarten students in collaboration with their Grade 4 buddies to build an understanding of coding concepts, geometric and mathematical concepts and dance/movement skills. The project involves: Students exploring mathematics concepts with their moving bodies (i.e. making geometric shapes with one or more people) Students exploring symmetry and asymmetry; Students constructing patterns using gross-motor movements; Working with their teachers and peers to develop an understanding of spatial awareness and angles; Using mathematical language to describe their body movements in space (i.e. move forward and turn 90 degrees); Combine their understanding of coding to demonstrate the ability of their bodies to move through space. (i.e. Starting “GO” command, if/then sequences and ending “STOP” command.) With the culminating goal of our collaborative project being to: Create a choreographed dance that is developed using their understanding of mathematical concepts and the elements of dance. Extension: Using their understanding of coding, Students write their choreographed dance in code or code their movements to represent their creations using a variety of coding programs (i.e. Scratch, Lynx and MicroWorlds JR) We feel that combining coding, mathematical concepts and dance can positively engage and create meaningful cross-curricular connections for students.