Course Details

Note: A course's programming language includes the [PP] flag to designate Proprietary Platform. This means that code written in this course would not run elsewhere without significant modifications or installations.

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Tynker: Programming 201

An introduction to programming for beginners in upper elementary grades. Introduce your class to programming using a fun scenario-based approach where they build two complete games. Side Scroller Survival introduces them to basics of motion and animation. In BeatBot Battle, they program a robot to make it dance. On completing these lessons, students will be able to build simple games, animations, and a variety of simple projects.

Suggested for 5th – 6th Grade

17 + hours

Requires paid subscription

Platform

Proprietary Platform

Programming Language

[PP] Block-based (Scratch based)

Device Compatibility

Computers (Windows, MacOS, Linux) and Chromebooks (NOT Supported on Tablets)

Auto-Grading Availability

Full

Date Modified

Year of creation unavailable; actively updated

Funding Information

Company founded in 2012, acquired by large corporation in 2021.

Lesson Structure

Vocabulary,Activities, Materials, Extension Activities, Multiple Choice Concept Review

Course Sequencing

Note: Must be taught in order

1. Introduction (basic commands and simple loops)

2. Loops and Animations (More with loops)

3. Creating a Scene: (multiple sprites)

4. Jumping over obstacles (conditional loops, variable updates)

5. Storytelling (sprite interactions)

6. User Interaction (event driven programming and coordinate system)

7. Guessing Game (user input, conditionals, conditional loops)

8. Rotation (sprite movement/rotation)

9. Alien Invaders (sprite movement, random numbers)

10. Music and Animation (enhancements)

11. Instruments and Tempo (enhancements)

12. Broadcasting messages (more with event driven programming)

13. Time limits (review and enhancements)

14. Message driven Programming: (review and enhancements)

15. Pop the Balloon: (review and enhancements)

16. Animation with Movement (work with variable updates)

17. Obstacle Course (more with conditionals)

Course "Lens"

This curriculum introduces students to intermediate programming concepts through animating scenes and creating interactive games.

Standards Alignment

Provides alignment to CSTA CS Standards, ISTE Standards and NGSS Standards.

Structure

17 total lessons

Training Available

Free weekly webinars available, recordings available online, teacher certifications, and teacher recognition program.

Spotlight

Spotlight:

Design & Interactivity

From the beginning of the course, students are learning programming concepts through completing interactive artifacts like games or animated stories. This gives them high-quality products from their work to be proud of, opposed to simple programs they might create in other courses. However, students often work only with a piece of the puzzle and do not create every product they submit in its entirety.

What makes it great:

With introductory coding knowledge, it is difficult to create visually appealing and engaging products. By allowing students to program small pieces of larger programs, they are able to produce more flashy and interactive products from their work that they can be proud of and share with others.

Expert Take

Tynker Programming 201 offers a visual coding tool and curriculum centered around the Scratch programming language. Students delve into programming activities that enhance vital skills such as logic, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The course adopts a scenario-based approach, guiding students through the creation of engaging games, which particularly benefits teachers with limited or no prior programming experience. The rich variety of resources caters to novice CS teachers, supporting their instructional needs effectively. Although it is block-based, drag-and-drop interface, the curriculum covers programming concepts fundamental to any language, ensuring a programming foundation for students. A notable feature is the inclusion of DIY projects, fostering "interest-driven learning" and enhancing student engagement. However, a significant drawback is the requirement for a paid subscription to access the full array of resources.