Launch Pad Overview

This article provides an overview of Launch Pad, Skill Struck's platform created for elementary-aged students..

Last updated - July 24, 2024

Launch Pad features an easy-to-navigate interface that is perfect for young learners. Launch Pad focuses primarily on teaching HTML and Computer Science basics and is organized by grade level; there are options for students from kindergarten to 5th grade. The platform features several fun and informative lessons; each including a mix of videos, checkpoints, quizzes, challenges, and games! There are also cross-curricular lessons available for 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade classes that integrate coding with math, science, and ELA for a comprehensive learning experience.   

Video

Videos are available on many Launch Pad lessons. Each video features a quick, easy-to-understand demonstration of the concepts taught in the lesson. They make a great starting point for lessons and are useful for students who are visual learners, or those who need an example of what they are supposed to do in the subsequent checkpoint. 

Textbook

In the Textbook section, students are able to view the textbook entry for the lesson. They can read and learn all about the concept being taught in the lesson. The Textbook section includes vocabulary words, Try it! examples, and text-to-speech capability.

Checkpoint

Checkpoints are usually placed after the Textbook section and consist of a quick activity that allows students to practice the concepts they have just learned. They include a list of requirements that students will need to meet to move on, a text editor for students to type their code, and a code preview section. The auto-grader checks student code for the listed requirements, and once those requirements are met, students will earn a check mark and points and proceed to the next section. Checkpoints are available for grades 4 and 5.

Quiz

Quizzes test what students learned in the current lesson. Students answer between 1 and 5 questions, including a debugging challenge, that reinforces what they have just learned.

Challenges

This section consists of a few challenges for students to complete at the end of each lesson. Challenges are detailed and include a set of requirements that should be met before moving on. Each challenge includes a list of requirements that students will need to meet to move on, a text editor for students to type their code, and a code preview section. The auto-grader checks student code for the listed requirements, and once those requirements are met, students will earn a check mark and points. The content of challenges corresponds to whatever lesson students are on. By the last lesson, students will be able to code mini-websites! Challenges are available for grades 4 and 5.

Puzzles

The Puzzles section introduces students to JavaScript using fun and interactive puzzles. The goal of each puzzle is to help the character navigate from the beginning of a maze to the exit, avoiding obstacles and completing simple tasks in the process. Students can choose between block or text based coding to guide the character. Puzzles are available for grades 3, 4, and 5.

Games

Games are included at the end of most lessons and are a fun way for students to review what they have learned. Launch Pad includes a variety of different games--Matching, Panda Stacker, and Astronaut Typing to name a few!

Skillmoji

Students earn points for each checkpoint, quiz, challenge, and game completed. With all the points that they earn, students are able to customize their Skillmoji (or avatar), with cool costumes, fun hairstyles, accessories, and bright colors!