My students agreed that they create an association with an elementary school class in order to assist them in preparing for the Virginia Standards of Learning tests. This assistance would come in the form of a game, created using the Java programming Language.

I contacted the principal of a neighboring school as asked if he could connect me with a teacher and class for this purpose. He was enthusiastic about the project and agreed to speak with a 5th grade teacher right away. Once I corresponded with the selected teacher, we planned for the two classes to get together.

Our first encounter was a field trip to the elementary school. The Java students prepared treat bags and created an agenda for the activities. My only role in the event was to assist the students with transportation and equipment issues.

Once there, the Java students gave a short presentation on the types of programs they had written in the past and a short bio of themselves. Each younger student also gave a short introduction. It seemed like only minutes before it was time for lunch to be served. We all ate together. The team had already discussed how they would find out more about the children during lunch, in order to be better prepared to create a program for them.

After lunch, the team divided up into groups based on subject area and the elementary students shared their ideas as the Java students took notes.

After returning to the classroom, the Java students set to work on their programs. Each group consisted of at least 2 team members who worked together to produce what the elementary students envisioned. The elementary students were then invited to the high school to preview the preliminary programs and eat pizza.

I suggested that I give a short program on what business classes were available when the children entered high school, but I was overruled in a matter of minutes. The team knew that the agenda belonged to them and exercised their right to decide what activities would be included.

All went well with the field trip and all but one group had a substantial portion of their program written. The elementary students seemed extremely enthusiastic about their work with the high school students.

Finally the programs were to be presented to the students at a "Meet and Greet" event where the students would demonstrate the use of the programs and meet the parents of the children.

Also at this event, the computer built for Project OcPu would be ceremoniously handed over the a local community center. Representatives from the Youth Commission who awarded the grant and the Community Center attended the event.

Elementary student's reflection
Elementary student's survey
Elementary teacher's survey
The Games produced
The Project Journal
Team Reflections