5 disciplines in which you can use programming (other than math!)

Here are ideas for integrating programming in 5 school subjects. And no, we don't even talk about math! And yes, we are talking about physical education!

In collaboration with Kids Code Jeunesse
by Sharmin Alam

"Programming is for computer programmers only", "Creative people don't program", "Programming is boring" ...

Here are some misconceptions about programming that are false, but widespread. In fact, programming can be a fun and creative activity, and teachers can enrich their classic curriculum with a little code. Including programming in lessons can help students develop critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and communication skills.

Here are some ideas for this. 

1. Art

It is well known that art promotes brain activity, creativity, problem solving and motor skills. In addition, art can improve physical, emotional and mental well-being. Art: bit is an application that connects with micro: bit to allow students to express their creativity through programming. They can design their own animations using block programming and physical computing.

2. Social studies

We can think of teaching students about different cultures of the world using the programming language Scratch. This platform will allow students to use blocks of code to participate in virtual cultural activities, such as the Quebec Winter Carnival or a visit to London in England. Scratch projects are informative and goal-oriented. They help students expand their cultural horizons through programming.

3. Writing

Before learning to write code, students should learn to write simple, clear instructions. Through activities disconnected, students will understand that writing instructions for a computer is very different from writing for humans. Unplugged projects allow students to practice this new style of writing while learning the basics of Html and CSS. For example, students become familiar with logical operators (AND, OR and NOT) adding toppings on a pizza. Each unplugged activity encourages students to view programming as a language and poses challenges for them to improve their fluency in that language.

4. Science

Science explains to children the world around them, helps them create ideas, make decisions and solve problems. When kids are learning about radio waves, now is a great time to bring micro: bits to class. A micro: bit, a small pocket computer, is a versatile and interactive tool for understanding the basics of physical computing. The micro: bit radio function can be used to send messages from one device to another. Students have the chance to gain hands-on experience of radio waves through play. Micro: bit basketball. As they pass an LED bullet to each other, they learn about the impact distance and other obstacles can have on radio communications.

5. Physical education

Programming can encourage students to get up and be active. They can create their own Fitbit to follow their activity and stay motivated. Indeed, the micro: bits can be programmed to be used as pedometers which count and follow the number of steps taken, thanks to vibrations. This simple, interactive and educational project can motivate students to be more active in their gym classes and outdoors. Consult the instructions step by step for this project.

Carrefour education offers you resources on the tools presented in this article:

• Scratch Junior: programming between 5 and 7 years old
• Scratch Learning Guide
• MTL code: workshops for coding
• List of applications for programming and coding
• Micro: bit: programming at your fingertips