Coding a Better Path

There are currently two versions of the Coding a Better Path immersion.

The first version has a biology and environmental science focus where students research different mini biomes in the New River Gorge National Park. They will highlight their biomes with the intent of ecotourism. This requires students to research specific human impacts, ecosystem services, and native species.

The second version has a historical focus on transportation and specific sites in the New River Gorge National Park. This version focuses more on traffic congestion at popular attractions within the park.

Both versions require students to use computer science skills to plan, design, and model components of the New River Gorge Personal Rapid Transit (NRG-PRT) System. Student code Intelino J-1 Smart Trains to highlight their assigned locations. The Intelino J-1 Smart Train Kit is a code able train car and track set that students program using block coding and snap on colored tules to control speed, direction, turns, lights, and sounds.

Key Topics: computer science, geography, cartography, history of transportation, environmentalism, community service.

"During this two-day lesson students were actively engaged in the successful completion of the given tasks. I was very pleased to see that this lesson motivated students that were often difficult to reach; I saw an eagerness and light in their eyes that normally wasn't present. Many of my students had not been exposed to coding software and they really enjoyed executing the commands.

"Additionally, since the activity was based around The New River Gorge National Park students learned a great deal about the history, culture, and the environment. Hopefully, the students will be more inspired to explore the outdoor activities that our beautiful state offers. Thank you for creating this lesson and traveling to our classroom."

- Chapmanville Regional High School, General Science and Biology Teacher

Immersion Agenda

• Pique interest with a short introduction.
• Examine high-interest examples of transportation engineering and sites at New River Gorge National Park.
• Briefly discuss and review relevant concepts.
• Detail safety precautions.
• Students work collaboratively to use computer science and research of tourist destinations to design the passenger experience.
• Groups use the Intelino Smart Train to highlight their destinations.
• Students reflect on their work.
• Short whole group discussion recaps successes, difficulties, and unexpected events.
• Possibilities for "What's Next?"