CHPC DSI Coding School Integration¶
Mapping CHPC Training Materials to DBE Curriculum¶
This document integrates the CHPC Training DSI Coding School repository content with the DBE Coding and Robotics Curriculum, providing cross-references and alignment between the two curricula.
CHPC Repository: https://github.com/ChpcTraining/dsi_coding_school
DBE Curriculum Repository: https://github.com/msovara/dbe-coding-robotics-curriculum
Contributing Scratch Days 1–2 back into CHPC: step-by-step remote → branch → push → PR instructions (including the Windows path issue) are in CHPC_DSI_CODING_SCHOOL_PR.md.
Overview¶
The CHPC DSI Coding School is a six-year flagship project (2022-2028) funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) to raise awareness of coding and robotics within the Department of Basic Education. This curriculum aligns with and complements that initiative.
Repository Structure Mapping¶
CHPC Repository Modules → DBE Curriculum Days¶
| CHPC Module | DBE Day | Integration Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| scratch/ | Day 1, Day 2 | Direct Integration | CHPC Scratch materials complement Days 1-2 |
| robotics/ | Day 3 | Direct Integration | CHPC robotics aligns with Arduino/S4A on Day 3 |
| cloud_computing/ | resources/cloud-computing | Reference | Former Day 3; kept in resources/cloud-computing/ |
| computer_hardware/ | resources/hardware | Reference | Former Day 4; kept in resources/hardware/ |
| virtual_resources/ | resources/cloud-computing | Supplementary | Virtual machines and cloud deployment |
| codeclub/ | Day 5, Day 1-5 | Direct / Supplementary | Day 5 = Micro:bit Part 2 (Code Club Intro); additional activities |
| resources/ | All Days | Supplementary | General resources and materials |
| presentations/ | All Days | Reference | Presentation materials for facilitators |
Day-by-Day Integration¶
Day 1: Introduction to Coding with Scratch¶
CHPC Resources: - Primary: CHPC Scratch Module - Supplementary: CodeClub Resources
Integration Points: - Use CHPC Scratch materials as additional examples - Reference CHPC Scratch projects for inspiration - Align computational thinking concepts - Use CHPC presentation materials for teaching
DBE Materials (Keep):
- day-01-scratch/lesson-plan.md - Detailed DBE lesson plan
- day-01-scratch/scratch-introduction-guide.md - Teacher guide
- day-01-scratch/activities/computational-thinking-exercises.md - Activities
- day-01-scratch/projects/project-templates.md - Project templates
- day-01-scratch/assessment/rubric.md - Assessment framework
How to Use: 1. Start with DBE lesson plan structure 2. Supplement with CHPC Scratch examples 3. Use CHPC projects as extension activities 4. Reference CHPC presentations for visual aids
Day 2: Advanced Scratch Programming¶
CHPC Resources: - Primary: CHPC Scratch Module - Supplementary: CodeClub Resources
Integration Points: - Use CHPC Scratch materials for advanced concepts (cloning, broadcasting) - Reference CHPC Scratch projects for complex games and simulations - Use CHPC presentation materials for teaching
DBE Materials (Keep):
- day-02-scratch/lesson-plan.md - Detailed DBE lesson plan
- day-02-scratch/scratch-advanced-guide.md - Advanced Scratch guide
- day-02-scratch/activities/advanced-scratch-activities.md - Activities
- day-02-scratch/projects/project-templates.md - Project templates
- day-02-scratch/assessment/rubric.md - Assessment framework
How to Use: 1. Start with DBE lesson plan for structure 2. Supplement with CHPC Scratch examples 3. Use CHPC projects as extension activities 4. Reference CHPC presentations for visual aids
Day 3: Physical Computing with Scratch for Arduino¶
CHPC Resources: - Primary: CHPC Robotics Module - Reference: CHPC Scratch for Arduino materials
Integration Points: - Use CHPC robotics arm project as advanced example - Reference CHPC Arduino/S4A setup procedures - Align with CHPC robotics concepts - Use CHPC presentation materials
DBE Materials (Keep):
- day-03-arduino/lesson-plan.md - Detailed DBE lesson plan
- day-03-arduino/arduino-hardware-guide.md - Hardware guide
- day-03-arduino/s4a-setup-instructions.md - Setup guide
- day-03-arduino/activities/wiring-diagrams.md - Wiring diagrams
- day-03-arduino/activities/robotics-activities.md - Robotics activities
- day-03-arduino/projects/project-guides.md - Project guides
- day-03-arduino/assessment/rubric.md - Assessment framework
- resources/hardware/ - Hardware and troubleshooting reference
How to Use:
1. Follow DBE Day 3 lesson plan for structure (Arduino basics + robotics)
2. Reference CHPC robotics arm project (advanced)
3. Use CHPC materials for additional examples
4. Combine DBE wiring diagrams with CHPC projects
5. Reference resources/hardware/ for troubleshooting
Day 4: Coding & Robotics with Micro:bit – Part 1¶
CHPC Resources: - Supplementary: CHPC CodeClub (Micro:bit/Scratch projects) - Supplementary: CHPC Resources
Integration Points: - DBE Day 4 focuses on Micro:bit and MakeCode; CHPC CodeClub has additional Micro:bit/Scratch projects - Use CHPC resources for extension activities
DBE Materials (Keep):
- day-04-microbit/lesson-plan.md - Detailed DBE lesson plan
How to Use: 1. Follow DBE lesson plan for Micro:bit Part 1 2. Use CHPC CodeClub for extra project ideas
Day 5: Coding & Robotics with Micro:bit – Part 2 (Code Club Intro)¶
CHPC Resources: - Primary: CHPC CodeClub - Reference: CHPC Resources - Reference: CHPC Presentations
Integration Points:
- Day 5 introduces Code Club; CHPC CodeClub is the main reference
- Use CHPC projects for mini Code Club session and action planning
- Integration planning template in resources/templates/integration-planning-template.md
DBE Materials (Keep):
- day-05-microbit-codeclub/lesson-plan.md - Detailed DBE lesson plan
- resources/templates/integration-planning-template.md - Integration/action planning template
How to Use: 1. Follow DBE lesson plan for Micro:bit Part 2 and Code Club intro 2. Use CHPC CodeClub for project choices and structure 3. Use DBE integration template for action plans
Reference: Cloud and Hardware (in resources/)¶
Cloud computing (former Day 3) and computer hardware (former Day 4) content are preserved as reference material:
- Cloud: resources/cloud-computing/ – CHPC cloud, Sebowa, data visualization (see CHPC cloud_computing and virtual_resources)
- Hardware: resources/hardware/ – Troubleshooting and hardware guides (see CHPC computer_hardware)
Key CHPC Concepts Integrated¶
1. Scratch Programming¶
CHPC Focus: Visual programming fundamentals, interactive projects
DBE Integration: Day 1 - Introduction to Coding with Scratch, Day 2 - Advanced Scratch Programming
2. Robotics with Scratch for Arduino¶
CHPC Focus: Robotic arm project, servo control, mechanics
DBE Integration: Day 3 - Physical Computing with Arduino (basics + robotics)
3. Cloud Computing and Virtual Resources (Reference)¶
CHPC Focus: Sebowa cloud, virtual machines, cloud deployment
DBE Integration: Reference material in resources/cloud-computing/
4. Computer Hardware (Reference)¶
CHPC Focus: Disassembly, component identification, reassembly
DBE Integration: Reference material in resources/hardware/; supports Day 3 Arduino troubleshooting
5. Code Club and Micro:bit¶
CHPC Focus: CodeClub activities, projects
DBE Integration: Day 4 - Micro:bit Part 1, Day 5 - Micro:bit Part 2 and Code Club intro
Using Both Curricula Together¶
For Workshop Facilitators¶
Preparation: 1. Review DBE lesson plans for structure 2. Access CHPC repository for technical details 3. Download CHPC presentations for visual aids 4. Prepare CHPC examples as extensions
During Workshop: 1. Follow DBE lesson plan timing and structure 2. Reference CHPC materials for technical depth 3. Use CHPC projects as advanced examples 4. Combine DBE activities with CHPC resources
After Workshop: 1. Share both repositories with teachers 2. Provide links to CHPC materials 3. Encourage exploration of CHPC content 4. Support integration of both approaches
For Teachers¶
Learning Path: 1. Start with DBE curriculum (teacher-friendly) 2. Explore CHPC materials for technical depth 3. Use CHPC projects as inspiration 4. Combine approaches for classroom use
Resource Access: - DBE Curriculum: https://github.com/msovara/dbe-coding-robotics-curriculum - CHPC Training: https://github.com/ChpcTraining/dsi_coding_school - Both repositories are complementary
CHPC Repository Structure Reference¶
ChpcTraining/dsi_coding_school/
├── scratch/ → Day 1, Day 2 Integration
├── robotics/ → Day 3 (Arduino/Robotics) Integration
├── cloud_computing/ → resources/cloud-computing Reference
├── computer_hardware/ → resources/hardware Reference
├── virtual_resources/ → resources/cloud-computing Supplementary
│ └── linux_os_install/ → Virtual machine setup
├── codeclub/ → Day 5 Code Club Intro, All Days Supplementary
├── resources/ → All Days Reference
└── presentations/ → All Days Visual Aids
Specific Integration Examples¶
Example 1: Scratch Projects¶
DBE Approach: - Teacher-friendly project templates - Step-by-step instructions - Assessment rubrics - Curriculum integration focus
CHPC Approach: - Technical Scratch projects - Advanced concepts - Research-oriented - Community projects
Combined Use: - Start with DBE templates (beginner-friendly) - Progress to CHPC projects (advanced) - Use both for differentiated instruction
Example 2: Robotics¶
DBE Approach: - Basic Arduino projects - Simple sensors and actuators - Classroom-friendly activities - Educational focus
CHPC Approach: - Robotic arm project - Advanced servo control - Mechanical assembly - Research applications
Combined Use: - DBE for foundational learning - CHPC for advanced projects - CHPC robotic arm as capstone
Example 3: Cloud Computing (Reference)¶
DBE Approach:
- Reference material in resources/cloud-computing/
- General cloud concepts, educational platforms
CHPC Approach: - Sebowa platform specifics - Virtual machine setup - Cloud deployment - Technical implementation
Combined Use:
- Use resources/cloud-computing/ and CHPC cloud_computing when covering cloud topics
- CHPC for Sebowa platform and virtual machine creation
Accessing CHPC Materials¶
Direct Links¶
Main Repository: - https://github.com/ChpcTraining/dsi_coding_school
Specific Modules: - Scratch: https://github.com/ChpcTraining/dsi_coding_school/tree/main/scratch - Robotics: https://github.com/ChpcTraining/dsi_coding_school/tree/main/robotics - Cloud Computing: https://github.com/ChpcTraining/dsi_coding_school/tree/main/cloud_computing - Computer Hardware: https://github.com/ChpcTraining/dsi_coding_school/tree/main/computer_hardware - Virtual Resources: https://github.com/ChpcTraining/dsi_coding_school/tree/main/virtual_resources - CodeClub: https://github.com/ChpcTraining/dsi_coding_school/tree/main/codeclub - Resources: https://github.com/ChpcTraining/dsi_coding_school/tree/main/resources - Presentations: https://github.com/ChpcTraining/dsi_coding_school/tree/main/presentations
Downloading Materials¶
Option 1: Clone Repository
Option 2: Download ZIP - Go to repository - Click "Code" → "Download ZIP" - Extract to local directory
Option 3: Access Online - Browse repository on GitHub - View files directly - Download individual files as needed
Best Practices for Integration¶
1. Start with DBE Structure¶
- Use DBE lesson plans as primary framework
- Follow DBE timing and pacing
- Maintain DBE educational focus
2. Supplement with CHPC Content¶
- Reference CHPC for technical details
- Use CHPC projects as extensions
- Access CHPC presentations for visuals
3. Maintain Both Approaches¶
- Keep DBE materials (teacher-friendly)
- Keep CHPC materials (technical depth)
- Use both as complementary resources
4. Customize for Context¶
- Adapt CHPC content for DBE context
- Simplify CHPC technical content for teachers
- Combine best of both approaches
Workshop Timetable Alignment¶
CHPC Timetable Structure¶
- 5 days (similar to DBE)
- Scratch, Robotics, Micro:bit, Code Club focus
- Cloud and hardware as reference (resources/)
- CodeClub activities (Day 5)
DBE Timetable Structure¶
- 5 days (aligned with CHPC)
- Similar topics, teacher-focused
- Assessment and integration emphasis
- Curriculum alignment focus
Combined Approach¶
- Use DBE timetable for structure
- Reference CHPC timetable for content depth
- Align sessions where topics overlap
- Maintain DBE timing (09:00-17:00)
Assessment Integration¶
DBE Assessment Approach¶
- Teacher-focused rubrics
- Curriculum integration assessment
- Pedagogical application evaluation
- Student learning outcomes
CHPC Assessment Approach¶
- Technical skill evaluation
- Project completion assessment
- Research-oriented evaluation
- Advanced skill demonstration
Combined Assessment¶
- Use DBE rubrics for teacher evaluation
- Reference CHPC projects for skill demonstration
- Combine both for comprehensive assessment
- Adapt CHPC assessments for educational context
Resources and Support¶
DBE Resources¶
- Teacher guides and templates
- Assessment rubrics
- Procurement guides
- Integration planning templates
CHPC Resources¶
- Technical documentation
- Project examples
- Presentation materials
- CodeClub activities
Combined Resources¶
- Access both repositories
- Use DBE for teaching materials
- Use CHPC for technical reference
- Combine for comprehensive support
Version Compatibility¶
CHPC Repository¶
- Status: Active (2022-2025 project)
- Updates: Regular updates expected
- Version: Check repository for latest
DBE Curriculum¶
- Status: Active development
- Version: 1.0
- Last Updated: 2024
Compatibility¶
- Both curricula are complementary
- CHPC provides technical depth
- DBE provides educational structure
- Use both together for best results
Contributing and Feedback¶
CHPC Repository¶
- Managed by CHPC Training team
- Part of DSI-funded project
- Contact CHPC for contributions
DBE Curriculum¶
- Managed by curriculum developers
- Open for teacher feedback
- Continuous improvement
Integration Feedback¶
- Share integration experiences
- Suggest improvements
- Report issues
- Contribute examples
Quick Reference¶
When to Use DBE Materials¶
- Lesson planning and structure
- Teacher training and support
- Curriculum integration
- Assessment and evaluation
- Classroom management
When to Use CHPC Materials¶
- Technical implementation details
- Advanced project examples
- Platform-specific setup (Sebowa)
- Virtual machine configuration
- Research-oriented content
When to Use Both¶
- Comprehensive training
- Differentiated instruction
- Advanced teacher development
- Extended learning opportunities
- Complete resource library
Conclusion¶
The CHPC DSI Coding School and DBE Coding and Robotics Curriculum are complementary resources that work together to provide comprehensive coding and robotics education for South African teachers. Use both repositories to access the full range of materials, from teacher-friendly guides to technical implementation details.
Remember: - DBE materials = Educational structure and teacher support - CHPC materials = Technical depth and advanced content - Both together = Comprehensive training program
Last Updated: 22 January 2025 Version: 1.0
References: - CHPC DSI Coding School: https://github.com/ChpcTraining/dsi_coding_school - DBE Coding and Robotics Curriculum: https://github.com/msovara/dbe-coding-robotics-curriculum