Coding and Computational Thinking

Lesson Idea Name: Coding a Plot Diagram for The Giver

Content Area: English Language Arts
Grade Level(s): 8th Grade
Content Standard Addressed:

ELAGSE8RL2: Determine a theme and/or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the
course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective
summary of the text.

Technology Standard Addressed:

5. Computational Thinker
Selected Technology Tool:
Scratch
URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):
www.scratch.mit.edu
Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):
☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☒ Applying ☒ Analyzing ☒ Evaluating ☒ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☐ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☐ Level 4: Integration
☐ Level 5: Expansion ☒ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

Engagement: Students are engaging in coding by coding a plot diagram for the novel, The Outsiders. Students
are engaging with each other by collaborating with their partner since students are placed in pairs.
Representation: All students are being represented since students have the choice in using Scratch or Scratch
Jr. (an easier and simpler version of Scratch.) Students are also paired up so students can use each other for
support.
Action and Expression: Students are engaging in action and expression by using creativity to create these plot
diagrams. Students can design the plot diagram in any shape, color, etc. as long as the outline is the same.

Lesson idea implementation:

To help students understand how to use scratch, students will first engage in a warm up activity along with
the teacher to help them. Next, the teacher will model for students how to create a plot diagram on Scratch.
Next, the teacher will go over the important elements of the story that should be included in their plot
diagram. Next, students will be paired up and be given the rest of class time to code a plot diagram on
Scratch. Once each student pair has successfully coded a Plot Diagram, students will be shown how to
screenshot their scratch using the “Snip It” tool and copy and paste into a word document. Next, students will
insert text boxes into their scratch on Word to edit in the information that should be included in their Plot
Diagram.

The product will take about two full class periods for students to successfully create their plot diagrams. By
having students code a plot diagram, it requires students to use higher order thinking skills and be held to a
higher learning level. The lesson will be concluded by student pairs taking turns and presenting their final
products to the class. Feedback will be given to students as soon as they present through email, ensuring
grades to be kept confidential.
 Coding and Computational Thinking
Importance of technology:
Coding is critical to the project because it takes a more simple project and requires students to use higher
order thinking skills to properly create or code it. The project can be completed without Scratch however it
would lose the higher-order learning levels. Other types of technology that can go into the learning
experience are other apps to initially introduce students to coding.
Inspiration (optional):
Below are my originally produced products on Scratch:
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/302783695/
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/303612630/
Internet Safety and Student Privacy:
Possible internet safety and student privacy would be students accessing other sites and/or sharing their
products to the public. By having students sign a technology contract and creating accounts on Scratch using
only their first name, it can illuminate potential issues.
Reflective Practice:
After designing this lesson, these activities can greatly impact student learning by requiring students to use
higher levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy. To further extend the lesson, students can create a portfolio of products
they will produce using Scratch.