Hour of Code week at Powhatan School is always an exciting time, especially within the Innovation & Technology Department. This year, students are diving into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through machine learning, participating in activities that are both fun and educational. From coding face filters to creating AI-powered games, students are experiencing firsthand how machine learning works. A special element this year is the integration of the Buddy Program, pairing older and younger students to learn together.
Mrs. Miller, the Innovation & Technology teacher, highlights the importance of the Buddy Program within Powhatan’s Hour of Code event. “The Buddy Program fosters a strong sense of community,” she explains. “It allows older and younger students to collaborate, learn from each other, and develop essential teamwork skills.” This mentorship opportunity also empowers older students to become role models, enhancing their leadership and responsibility.
This year, fifth graders partnered with kindergarteners for their Hour Of Code Machine Learning activities. Each kindergartener was paired with an older buddy to guide them through the tech-focused sessions. Their first engaging activity involved coding programs to recognize faces and apply amusing filters, like dog noses or glasses. Kindergarteners actively participated in adding code, with their fifth-grade buddies offering support, troubleshooting, and answering questions as they arose.
In their second activity, the younger and older buddies collaborated using iPads and an AI program to play a digital fruit-catching game. This interactive experience allowed them to see machine learning in action in a playful context. Furthermore, students explored an app that uses machine learning to animate hand-drawn stick figures, bringing their creations to life and making them dance.
