Technology/Computer Science

PS 197 has been very fortunate to have received RESO A grants in the past, as well as present grants from Councilman Chaim Deutsch and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. Because of their generosity, we have been able to purchase:  

Ø   Smartboards and ELMO document projectors for every classroom

Ø  A computer lab with 32 desktop computers.

Ø  Laptops for All teachers and service providers   

Ø  Two mobile laptop carts, two chromebook carts and two ipad carts for class use

Ø  Two  desktop computers and a cart with 4 or more laptops and ipads for each class

Ø  Technology is infused through daily lessons with the use of BrainPop and BrainPop Jr.,Big Brainz and Imagine Learning. These web sites offer animated, curriculum-based content that engages students, supports educators, and bolsters achievement.

Ø  In all content areas, our smart boards offer students opportunities to have shared experiences around learning. They offer teachers and students opportunities to access the internet for resources that enhance teaching and learning for our students. Students have interactive experiences with our smart boards that allow them to engage in learning an many new and exciting ways.

Ø  Each class has the opportunity to use the Computer lab on a weekly basis, where they learn basic computer skills, research skills, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint as well as using various Educational programs to strengthen their academic skills.

Presently, we have aligned PS 197 to be part of the “Midwood Pipeline” for Engineering. It is our hope that all the children at PS 197 will have the opportunity to be part of this new engineering curriculum (STEAM) where they may learn coding, Robotics, STEM as well as other programs which will continue to grow.

Children have the opportunity to learn Coding (Hour of Code) which celebrates Computer Science Education Week. All Children in grades one to five are given the opportunity to learn “Block coding” using our computers and then to go beyond that to another coding language, Python, by using Codesters. Similarly, lower grade students will also have the opportunity to code using “Dash and Dot” Robots (Wonder Workshop) to go beyond the 2-demensional and to use ipads and apps to program and maneuver their Robots.

Each year we also have classes participate in our “Lego Robotics” Class. The children are asked to build, program (Code) their Robot to solve a “world Problem” which is a year- long project. Children learn the process of building, coding (programming) their NXT Brick, to work in small groups and to present their final projects to the school community as well as parents. 

We use a “Project based” approach to learning Robotics and Coding (Computer Science).All work is aligned to the Common Core State Standards Initiative and STEM.

Public School 197 Awarded Grant to Build STEM Lab

 November 2, 2017

 Members of the PS 197 community attended an award ceremony today to accept $285,000 in funds to be used to establish a STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) Lab on the fifth floor of the building. The funding was awarded by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

PS 197 submitted a proposal last year requesting money to install a Maker Space, purchase portable technology stations and 3D printers. With the addition of this equipment, the school will be able to join the Brooklyn Engineering Pipeline, a multi-school effort to provide STEM skills for students from “cradle to college”.

                                                                                                                                           Pictured from left to right: Robert Slavin, Technology Teacher, PS 197; Eric Adams, Brooklyn

                                                                                                                                      Borough President; Rosemarie Nicoletti, Principal, PS 197; James Hutchinson, PS 197 PTA President.

 Public School 197 Awarded Funds to Purchase Technology Equipment

November 2, 2017

Councilman Chaim Deutsch has awarded PS 197 funds totaling $159,127 for the purpose of upgrading school computers and purchasing new Smartboards for our classrooms. Councilman Deutsch’s continued support has enabled the school to install Smartboards in almost every classroom, as well as purchase Ipads and laptop carts for every grade.

                                                                                                                  Pictured from left to right: James Hutchinson, PS 197 PTA President ; Rosemarie Nicoletti, Principal, PS 197;

                                                                                                                                                    Robert Slavin, Technology Teacher, PS 197; Councilman Chaim Deutsch