Bricklayer: Elementary students learn math through programming and art

Michelle Friend, Michael Matthews, Victor Winter, Betty Love, Deanna Moisset, Ian Goodwin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

As computer science becomes more prevalent in the K-12 world, elementary schools are increasingly adopting computing curricula. Computer scientists have recognized the connection between math and computer science, but little work has demonstrated how and whether computer science can support improved learning in math. This paper reports on a project in which elementary students in a gifted program used Bricklayer, a functional programming environment that supports artistic and mathematical expression. A pre- and post-test design demonstrates significant learning gains in coordinate graphing and visual-spatial skills.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSIGCSE 2018 - Proceedings of the 49th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages628-633
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781450351034
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 21 2018
Event49th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, SIGCSE 2018 - Baltimore, United States
Duration: Feb 21 2018Feb 24 2018

Publication series

NameSIGCSE 2018 - Proceedings of the 49th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education
Volume2018-January

Other

Other49th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, SIGCSE 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore
Period2/21/182/24/18

Keywords

  • Elementary school
  • Functional programming
  • Mathematics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Computer Science
  • Education

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