Yesterday, Grade 5 students participated in their second Beaver Computer Challenge.  Created by students, teachers, and professors from the University of Waterloo: The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing, this contest is open to students around the country and around the world, and we are SO EXCITED to be participating this year!

The Beaver Computing Challenge (BCC) introduces Computer Science through problem based questions. Students require no prior knowledge about computing, but rather work toward problem solving and using those “hidden” computer science skills for hands-on learning and experience.

The contest is a 45 minute timed experience that involves a total of 12 multiple choice questions at 3 different levels, A, B and C.  “A” level being the easiest of the three, and then becoming more challenging with level “C.” Students complete the contest on their own devices, and are allowed a calculator and are encouraged to use pencil and paper to use the strategies taught in class to: draw a graph, make a table, draw a diagram etc.

I was so impressed with how hard the students work. Some who were reluctant at first, stepped up to the challenge and competed along with their peers! Time will tell how many computer scientists are among us 🙂