Hatch Studio

Hatch Studio projects are scaffolded for optimal learning!

Each project helps students progress through multiple learning levels. Each project also offers three coding levels:

English Description
Pseudocode
Type-What-You-See

In Hatch Studio students read and complete projects that are presented as requirements (word problems). Early projects have answers that are typically short: one to three components; a component is similar to the idea of a paragraph in language arts. We aim to have excellence in production one component at a time in the same way that young students focus on writing sentences and paragraphs before writing full essays.

Untitled design (4)

Students who are new to computer programming begin by breaking down a Hatch Studio project to the Type-What-You-See coding level, but as they complete independent thought work (called Challenges), they move up learning levels and also begin to do work at more demanding coding levels (Pseudocode; English & English-by-Component). To the left, you can see what this looks like in our IDE (Integrated Development Environment).

The learning levels represents incrementally more difficult work and moves students toward more demanding coding levels where they do more independent work. Students can also code in Python in the Hatch Studio - Python.

English Description

This is the hardest level of coding and writing in it shows a deep understanding of computer programming. In order to be successful at this coding level, students must go through an inquiry process and use numerous programming skills and competencies.

Pseudocode

As the 2nd hardest level of coding it requires synthesis, understanding of computational logic and computational thinking, but is mostly bereft of syntax & vocabulary; an excellent tool for planning and collaboration (used in industry). It is written as blocks: similar to a paragraph and the development of arguments in paragraphs.

Type What You See

Type-What-You-See (TWYS) is the easiest level at which students work. It's similar to the tracing activities done when learning letters, numbers; like copying notes. It provides opportunities to observe and draw conclusions and students do independent thought work when they complete Challenges.

Communication skills and inquiry thinking are directly fostered with Hatch Studio when students read requirements.

Each project is accompanied by an "Explain Code" that provides insight into what a requirement means.

Help buttons provide guidance at every level of the learning process: English & English-by-Component (a paragraph of code), Pseudocode, and Type-What-You-See.
With this approach, literacy skills are developed in English and in computer programming at the same time.

Students are given feedback from a coach who looks at their project and challenges.

Students get completion feedback checking how they did and extension feedback that tell them what they can do next.
If students get stuck, they can press the help button to directly ask a coach a question. Coaches answer questions and give feedback within 24 hours. Click the image to check out IDE and to try a project.