About this project
Step By Step is a gentle introduction to computer programming and robotics for K-3 students. Through a simple set of fun exercises Step By Step exposes young students to logical thinking, planning, organizing, navigating, looping, branching, and other foundational programming and robotics concepts .
What? Why do first graders need to know about computer programming? Well in answer to that, consider that computer science is at the heart of all the gadgets and technology we use, yet teaching it to our students is almost non-existent. But don't take my word for it, there are people much smarter than I who are saying the same thing. Here is a short list of recent articles and papers concerning computer science education for K-12 students;
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Overhauling Computer Science Education
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Should Computer Science Be Required in K-12
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Running On Empty:The Failure to Teach K–12 Computer Science in the Digital Age
It's important stuff, it really is.
We currently have a limited set of completed Step By Step cards and floor tiles and we are judiciously offering them to early adopting individuals, schools, and school districts. So far the response to Step By Step has been very positive. We are therefore looking to begin offering Step By Step on a much larger scale. In order to do this we need additional funding. Our top three funding priorities are;
- Establish a high volume (low cost) manufacturing process
- Begin a national marketing and promotion campaign
- Expand our work on Step By Step lesson plans and modules
If we exceed our Kickstarter funding goals we plan on . . .
- Creating Step By Step classroom packs to be given to in-need and underperforming schools at greatly discounted (or possibly free) prices.
- Ensuring all Kickstarter materials are ready for international markets
- Begin a software companion application which will integrate the images and concepts learned with actual software development tools
We sincerely believe this is important work. Please consider helping us at any level. Your contribution to our children's early education is an investment of vital importance to all of our futures.
FAQ
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on February 12.
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Level I - Recognition on the Step By Step sponsorship web page.
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Level II - A free Step By Step Supporter Sticker plus all Level I rewards.
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Level III - The "yay" sound clip from the video (makes a great ringtone!) plus all Level I and II rewards
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Level IV - Step By Step commemorative t-shirt plus all Level I, II, and III rewards
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Level V - A Single Student Card Pack (enough for 1 or 2 students) for you, or given in your name to the school or organization of your choice. Plus all Level I, II, and III rewards.
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Level VI - A Classroom Card Pack (enough for up to 10) for you, or given in your name to the school or organization of your choice. Plus all Level I, II, and III rewards.
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Level VII - A Classroom Card Pack (enough for up to 10) and a set of 25 foam floor tiles for you, or given in your name to the school or organization of your choice. Plus all Level I, II, and III rewards.
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
Level VIII - Two Classroom Card Packs (enough for up to 10) and two sets of 25 foam floor tiles for you, or given in your name to the school or organization of your choice. And your name included on the Step By Step sponsors card included with each deck. Plus all Level I, II, and III rewards.
Pledge $3,000 or more Pledge $3,000 or more
Level X - Exclusive naming rights to the Step By Step All Access Fund. This fund is designed to provide Step By Step materials to schools and school districts in areas of most need. The fund will be seeded by your donation and will bear the name of your choice. Plus all Level I, II, and III rewards.
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Michael Morrissey :
+ 20 years of experience as a Software Engineer developing, implementing, and supporting large scale custom applications
+ Co-founded Robotics And Beyond, a non-profit science and engineering education organization, in 2004
+ Started the Junior Robotics Lab at the New Milford (CT) Public Library in 2000. Michael continues to teach the JRL to this day.
+ 8 years US Navy Reserve, 4 years judging CT Science Fair and Science Horizons science fair as a NSAP (Naval Science Awards Program) judge.
+ Developed Step By Step in conjunction with Robotics And Beyond's other co-founder Paul Chayka.
