Practice Description

Programming Circus

by Technical University of Munich (TUM) added on 05 Feb 2021

Brief description:
The "Programming Circus" provides a playful insight into the basic concepts of programming. This thoughtfully designed three-day course was developed for children aged 8 to 9 years with no or only a minimum of previous experience in coding. Initially the "programming circus" works with haptic materials not using computers on day one. However, throughout the course, the participants also become familiar with the visual programming environment Scratch. By the end of the course, the students are expected to be able to work with Scratch and to apply and combine algorithmic control structures in their own little projects.
Photos:
Countries:
(where the practice takes place)
Germany
Cities:
(where the practice takes place)
Munich
Organization name:
(running the practice)
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Organization type:
Public
Contact person:
Contact email:
(for further information and inquiries)
katharina.geldreich@tum.de
Social media:
Related resources:
(e.g., web site, publications,media)
Participants’ age groups:
8 - 9
Indicative number of participants:
9 - 10
Oriented to a specific gender?
No
Frequency:
(for the same group of participants)
Single-occasion
Total duration:
(for the same group of participants)
9 hours
Location:
(where the practice takes place)
  • Classroom, formal learning space, etc.
What are the role(s) of the adult(s) running the practice?
  • Teacher
  • Facilitator
  • Mentor / Guide
During the practice, participants…
  • Play
  • Code
Participants work…
  • Alone
    • What type of materials do participants use?
    • Pen and paper
    • Manipulatives (blocks, beads, etc.)
    • Computers
    Pedagogical approach:
    • Problem-based learning
    • Project (or task)-based learning
    • Design-based learning
    • Creative thinking
    Social justice/equity approaches:
    • Activities are designed to empower participants and meet their needs
    Does the practice have (explicit or implicit) learning objectives?
    		Implicit: using unplugged materials and subsequently Scratch to allow young children to gain first experience in programming n a playful way
    Is the practice (explicitly or implicitly) connected to school curricula?
    		Yes, implicitly
    If connected in any way to school curricula, which subjects are covered?
    • Computer science
    • Technology
    Does the practice aim to have an impact on the engagement / interest of participants with a particular scientific topic, concept, phenomena, theory or career?
    		No
    Does the practice aim to have an impact on the attitude of participants with a particular scientific topic, concept, phenomena, theory, or career?
    		Yes: early positive contact with computer science to prevent prejudices and cognitive barriers from arising in adolescents
    Does the practice aim to have an impact on the behavior of participants related to a particular scientific topic, concept, phenomena, theory, or career?
    		No
    Does the practice aim to have an impact on the development / reinforcement / practice of skills of participants?
    		Yes: the workshop aims to introduce the basics of programming using different materials and approaches to a fairly young target group
    Additional notes: