Technology (sTeam)
As our students live in a world that relies heavily on technology literacy for daily life, Westminster is committed to integrating technology into our students’ lives, in order to ensure students are adept and prepared for the workforce. As such, in addition to our school having smartboards in every classroom and one-to-one computers for each student to be able to use in the classroom throughout the day, all Westminster students attend technology classes in our computer lab, with an instructor and programming provided by “PlanetBravo”, funded by Snapchat. We are so thrilled to announce that Planet Bravo is continuing our 5 day/week full time technology education program at our school thanks to Snap Inc. WE cannot thank Snap Inc. enough!
Want to find out more about what each student at Westminster is learning in Computer Lab? Check out the Planet Bravo curriculum for each grade level below:
TK – Finding Our Way on Computers:
Mousing and keyboarding games – using the computer to become familiar with its features. Introduction to letters and numbers games, too!
Kindergarten – Having Fun with Computers:
Basic computer functions, mousing, keyboard recognition, academic games, word processing, digital art, and OS familiarity.
1st Grade – Using Academic Programs to Learn:
Academic Games, Basic Word Processing with emphasis on language arts reinforcement, Basic Internet Use, Graphics integration.
Grades 2-5 will experience six intensive courses where they will have a 45-50 minute class every day for two weeks. This is brand new hybrid version of Planet Bravo’s award winning Techno-tainment Camps and School Program specifically developed for Westminster’s Technology Magnet. It will allow students to work fully into their projects and develop more meaningful connections that will create deeper learning. We are the only school piloting this hybrid version that will surely become their new model!
The curriculum for Grades 2-5 is the following:
2nd Grade – Producing Content with Technology:
Computer Art, Desktop Publishing, Story-telling and Animation Sites, Photo-Editing, Slideshow Presentations, and Intro to Coding using Scratch.
3rd Grade – Learning by Discovery:
Computer Hardware, Coding, Troubleshooting, Story-telling sites, Google Docs, Intro to Spreadsheets, Slideshows, Internet research, and more.
4th Grade – Connecting Through Technology
Keyboarding intensive, Internet Research, Blogs, Wikis, Podcasting, Email, Infographics, Video Montages, Online Collaboration through Google Apps.
5th Grade – Research and Analysis with Computers
Responsible Internet Use, Research, Video Editing, Animation, Coding, Multimedia Online Slideshows, Web Design. 5th graders also have the opportunity to participate in the VEX Robotics program, combining their programming skills taught in Planet Bravo with Engineering skills.
