Expanding Elementary School Computer Science Education with an Introduction to Machine Learning Through Rhythmic Studies

Introducing elementary students to computer science and computational thinking (CS/CT) can enhance their problem solving skills and enhance their confidence and sense of belonging in computing. Project moveSMART aims to introduce learning activities into elementary classrooms that address computer science concepts in a way that integrates with core curriculum requirements and promotes physical activity. In this paper, we explore an extension to an initial set of Project moveSMART computer science learning activities to introduce elementary students to machine learning concepts in a way that is integrated with required learning objectives covered in a Physical Education course. Specifically, students use the BBC micro:bit and its on board sensors to capture rhythmic movement data, explore and analyze patterns in the data, and use a learned "dance move recognition" application that uses their data in order to learn about machine learning in an age appropriate way. To demonstrate feasibility of supporting dance move recognition on the resource-constrained device, we developed a prototype, which is able to detect 5 different dance moves with a 96.6% accuracy.