RM B28
Technology
At Penn Alexander School, we recognize the need to prepare our students for life in a digital, global community. We are committed to providing access to the latest technology across all grade levels, and our staff are encouraged to integrate technology with our curriculum to enhance instruction.
Students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade visit the computer lab for one class period each week, and small groups of students are offered additional technology classes in our extra-curricular after school program.
Students in our Middle School learn computer basics, internet safety, and video editing, as well as website design, programming, and introductory app design.
In grades 4 through 8, students use Google Classroom to collaborate with teachers and classmates, and our PAS Robotics team uses LEGO Education SPIKE Prime software to program their robots.
MIDDLE SCHOOL Computer Science Discoveries Curriculum
6th, 7th and 8th grade students participate in the code.org CSD courses for Web Page Design, Javascript, and App Design.
6th Graders consider real world problems and create paper prototypes of apps that they develop and test. Their final project is the creation of a digital version of their app and present it to their classmates. App concepts include scheduling solutions, nutritional planners, music composition, and even a friend finder for your pet!
7th Graders learn to create webpages using HTML and CSS. Final projects are websites on topics that include science concepts, sports, cooking, and international travel.
8th Graders explore game design using the Javascript language, and incorporate keyboard and mouse inputs to create movement on their screens and how to plot sprites, and use counter patterns and randomization in their designs.
At each grade level, students are introduced to new technology in a meaningful context. Students are using technology to enhance their learning throughout all of their classes.
In grades 1 through 8, students learn to be safe and to also be kind while online – and are expected to create a project that demonstrates grade appropriate understanding of Internet Safety.
HARDWARE HIGHLIGHTS
LOWER SCHOOL
SMART Interactive Flat Panels in every classroom and instructional space
Dell Chromebooks are assigned to each student
Apple iMac and Macbook Air computer lab for whole class use – RM B28
MIDDLE SCHOOL
SMART Interactive Flat Panel displays in all classrooms & Shared SMARTboard in Literacy Pod
Dell Chromebooks assigned to each student
Class set of Apple MacBook Pro laptops in Science Room
iPads for student use in Science Lab
SOFTWARE SUGGESTIONS FOR FAMILIES
Check out these free tools that can be used online, or downloaded for use.
SumoPaint Drawing and Image Editing Tool
PAINTBRUSH – A simple paint program
THE FOOS – Drag and Drop Coding for beginners
– also available as an app for tablets in most app stores.
TYPING.COM – Keyboarding practice
Adobe Express – This can be found in Infinite Campus for all K-12 students and staff members in the School District – for video making, logo design and much, much more.
Elementary and Middle School Computer Fair
Each year, Penn Alexander students in Grades 3-8 create projects for a regional Computer Fair held during the Spring.
Students in Grades 3-5 compete in 3 categories – Digital Art, Digital Movie and Animation. Students in Grades 6-8 compete in 6 categories – Digital Video, Logo Design, Web Page Design, Programming, Graphic Design, and Animation. First place winners at the regional fair are eligible to compete at the PA State Middle School Computer Fair.
Check out some of our past winners and Digital Movies from our students! Click on the images to see the works in their entirety.
2023: 1st Place Philadelphia, Digital Art (Grades 3-5) – The Dragon, by Asher A. (Grade 4)
2023: 3rd Place Philadelphia, Digital Art (Grades 3-5) – Sunset on a Beach by Ida, Zolana and Celia (Grade 4)
2023: 3rd Place, Philadelphia, Animation (Grades 3-5) – Incident by Benjamin, Ray and Eddie (Grade 5)
2023: 1st Place, Philadelphia, Web Design (Grades 6-8) – Black Voices, Black Joy by Maha (Grade 7)
2023: 1st Place, Philadelphia, Animation (Grades 6-8) – Before and Now: School by Lautaro and Irene (Grade 7)
2023: 2nd Place, Philadelphia, Logo Design (Grades 6-8) – Shedding Light on the Modern World by Molly (Grade 6)
2023: 2nd Place, Philadelphia, Programming (Grades 6-8) – Turty’s Pond Cleanup by Alexander O. (Grade 6)