Introduction to Karel Adventures
Karel Adventures is designed to introduce students to text-based programming in JavaScript through engaging, story-based lessons. This course mirrors the content and structure of the CodeHS middle school Mix and Match course version but is tailored specifically for younger learners by defaulting to block coding on all exercises. Karel Adventures offers a unique and effective approach to teaching programming fundamentals in a way that captivates and educates.
Using Karel Adventures in the Elementary Classroom
Overview Video:
1. Lesson Structure and Preparation
Each lesson in Karel Adventures is built around a captivating story that introduces key programming concepts. Teachers begin by playing the story-based video from the lesson, setting the stage for the activities that follow. Some videos have more than one associated activity, and these are clearly marked (e.g., Part 2a, Part 2b).
2. Coding Environment
Activities open in the CodeHS “UltraKarel” JavaScript IDE. By default, students start with block coding using Karel Blocks. They can switch to text-based programming when they are ready. Students have access to the exercise description and the Karel commands doc. They can run their code at different speeds and submit their activity when complete. The autograder checks their code upon submission, explaining which parts of the program are not working correctly. This feature allows students to check their work and debug as needed.
3. Teacher Resources
Problem Guides: These guides offer a detailed look at the lesson’s problems, including common questions and answers, to assist teachers in addressing student inquiries.
Solution References: Detailed solutions for each exercise are provided, enabling teachers to offer clear and accurate guidance.
Preparation Notes: These notes include teaching strategies and preparation tips to help teachers effectively support their students.
4. Classroom Implementation
Teachers can choose which lessons and activities to show students each day, providing flexibility in how the course is delivered. Students can work on the activities either guided by the teacher or independently, depending on the classroom dynamics and the students’ needs.
5. Differentiation and Support
To accommodate different learning styles and abilities, Karel Adventures includes several supportive features:
Printable Karel Commands: These handouts provide a reference for students, helping them understand and apply the commands they are learning.
Printable Handouts: Some lessons include handouts for unplugged activities, allowing students to practice concepts outside of the coding environment.
English and Spanish Slide Decks: Available at the bottom of each lesson page, these slides support bilingual education and ensure all students have access to the content.
6. Flexible Timing
Unlike other elementary lessons that follow a standard 45-minute format, Karel Adventures lessons vary in length depending on how many exercises are provided for each concept. This allows teachers to assign as many lessons that can fit into their allotted time slot.
Differences Between Elementary and Middle School Versions
While the core content of Karel Adventures remains the same across both elementary and middle school versions, the design and delivery methods differ to suit the needs of younger students. The key distinctions:
Teacher-Led Instruction: In the elementary version, teachers can play a more central role in guiding students through the lessons. Story-based videos are used to introduce each lesson, and teachers facilitate discussions and activities through presenting our “Ready-to-Go” slides for the whole class.
Course Structure: The elementary course is broken up into 1 lesson per student exercise. Multiple lessons can be visible to students at one time so multiple exercises can be completed by students in a given class period.
Block View: Student exercises are shown in block view, enabling students to drag and drop pieces of code together instead of typing everything out. Students ready to try text-based coding can switch to code view using the bar near the top that says "Switch to Code View."
Debugging with Block View: Students can edit blocks directly by clicking on the white portion of the block to add or make changes. Alternatively, they can switch to Code View to make debugging changes.
CodeHS Elementary Curriculum is included with an Elementary License. If you believe you should have access to the Elementary Portal, please reach out to your Customer Success Manager, or send an email to hello@codehs.com.