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CoCoA: Co-create Collaborate Activate - Advancing Computational Thinking Education

Year Awarded

2020

Amount

€136,611

  • Organisation:Maynooth University (MU)
  • Audience:Primary Students, Transition Year Students, Primary Teachers, Post Primary Teachers - Junior Cycle, Post Primary Teachers - Senior Cycle, Parents, Third Level, General Public, Policy Makers
  • Format:Non-formal Education
  • Location:national
  • Topic:Science

Project Summary

At its core, computer science is a science of problem solving, reinforcing the scientific method necessary to support other subjects in the STEM family. Universities in Ireland have recently recognised Leaving Certificate Computer Science as a science subject for entry into 3rd level. This implicitly recognises the value of computer science as a STEM subject which helps to train students in logical thinking and the scientific method in general.

Bebras tasks teach computational thinking (CT) strategies. They have been carefully developed over the past 14 years by an international team of 100+ established computer science educators. These problems have proven to be remarkably inclusive, across gender and culture. They are the perfect tool to reach out to teachers, students, and parents at multiple levels and ages to get them to engage with CT.

The CoCoA project will employ our expertise and networks to adapt these problems in a novel way, to facilitate teamwork, develop communication and related language skills, and promote problem-solving skills through physical activity. We will work with our rapidly expanding Community of Practice (CoP) to co-create teaching and learning resources that engage our target audience with CT. These resources will include lesson plans, resource books, and a suite of active games to encourage physical activity, communication, and teamwork. Resources will be co-developed and promoted through our teacher workshops and school visits. The net result will be increased teacher, student, and parent interest and a correspondingly enhanced involvement in STEM subjects.