Introduction
Celebrate the rich history and culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through research, writing, and animation. Students will create an interactive digital story using Elementari that showcases an HBCU’s legacy, mascot, traditions, and notable alumni using sequencing, loops, and interactive coding.
Objectives
Students will:
- Research key facts about a Historically Black College or University using age-appropriate sources.
- Write structured content using sentence starters and domain-specific vocabulary.
- Design animated story scenes using characters, speech bubbles, and sound.
- Code interactions and animations using loops, sequencing, and on-click events in Elementari.
Code Stories and Games with Elementari
Elementari helps students turn their writing into interactive stories through simple drag-and-drop coding. In this lesson, they’ll use blocks like On Click, Loop, and Play Text Effect to animate mascots, reveal fun facts, and bring their HBCU research to life. It’s a fun way to combine storytelling, coding, and cultural celebration in one creative project.
New to Elementari? Click on the orange Start button to jump right into the lesson for free. Check out our Getting Started Guide for an overview of how Elementari works with your class. Get started for free for up to 35 student accounts.
Lesson Resources
Coding Concepts Covered
Functions in Sequence Relative Position LoopStudent Instructions
Learn about HBCU and choose one:
Use the writing organizer to help. Click here to make a copy to edit.
Include the name and the location (city + state). You'll code a sequence of text animations with the Play Text Effect function block.
Write about the school’s history. Add a character and a speech bubble with a fun fact. Use On Click to make the speech bubble appear when the character is clicked.
Write about the school’s motto (special saying) and what you think it means. Include the school mascot and the school colors!
Add your mascot (or any character) to the page. Code your character to bounce when clicked.
Highlight a famous graduate and share a fun tradition.
Expand on your code! Code a sequence of animations that will loop: 1️⃣ Bounce 2️⃣ Move left or right 3️⃣ Move left or right
Add final details to your project and make it more fun to explore! Ideas:
– Add images and backgrounds
– Use the Rotate or Scale block for new animations
– Play background music with the Play Music block
– Customize the boy/girl character and use the Animate block to make them talk!
Interactive Project Example for Students
Play through this lesson's example project created on Elementari. Use this example to guide and motivate your students.
Standards
CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards (2017)
Algorithms & Programming
1B-AP-10 - Create programs that include sequences, events, loops, and conditionals.
1B-AP-11 - Decompose (break down) problems into smaller, manageable subproblems to facilitate the program development process.
1B-AP-12 - Modify, remix, or incorporate portions of an existing program into one's own work, to develop something new or add more advanced features.
1B-AP-15 - Test and debug (identify and fix errors) a program or algorithm to ensure it runs as intended.
ISTE Student Standards
Creative Communicator
6b - Students create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.
6d - Students publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for their intended audiences.
6c - Students communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models or simulations.
Computational Thinker
5a - Students formulate problem definitions suited for technology-assisted methods such as data analysis, abstract models and algorithmic thinking in exploring and finding solutions.
Innovative Designer
4a - Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems.
4d - Students exhibit a tolerance for ambiguity, perseverance and the capacity to work with open-ended problems.
4c - Students develop, test and refine prototypes as part of a cyclical design process.
4b - Students select and use digital tools to plan and manage a design process that considers design constraints and calculated risks.
AASL Standards
Inquire
I.A.2 - Recalling prior and background knowledge as context for new meaning
I.B.3 - Generating products that illustrate learning.
I.C.4 - Sharing products with an authentic audience.
About the Designer
Coding with Culture is a trailblazing education initiative dedicated to fostering culturally relevant and sustainable learning experiences in Computer Science and STEM.
Since our founding, we’ve empowered hundreds of Black students and educators across the globe with innovative, culture-centered curricula that celebrate Black and Brown excellence and prepare students for future-ready careers in tech.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to build a Kindergarten-through-HBCU pathway that inspires young learners to embrace computational and design thinking while seeing their culture and history reflected in their education.
Through our programs, we aim to close opportunity gaps, spark innovation, and nurture the next generation of Black and Brown changemakers in STEM.
Explore our culturally relevant programs designed for students, families, and educators:
- Virtual Coding Classes: Engaging online sessions for K-12 students, integrating Black history and STEM.
- STEM Workshops: Hands-on learning experiences for youth, with a focus on computational thinking and robotics.
- Professional Development for Educators: Equipping teachers with the tools to create inclusive, sustainable STEM classrooms.
- Culturally Relevant Curriculum Design: Custom solutions for schools and organizations seeking to amplify diversity and inclusion in STEM education.
Together, we are building a future where Black students thrive in tech, innovation, and beyond.