Building+a+7-12+CS+Curriculum

[ Third NEIT, fIrst scribe gig, feel free to edit! To quote the great Han Solo, “Sorry about the mess.”]

New to Computer Science how do we establish the strongest foundation for our students

What direction can we take for our 6th Graders

Using Textbook from 1999 - How to think like a Computer Scientist - Open Source Textbook - People are currently updating it and even the authors are learning new things from it

Computer Science is part natural science in that we can make a “Hypothesis” and “test it” and use calculations to reach our results

Students are new to coding and making - We more often find ourselves teaching a way of thinking, then actual content,

Creating a Computer Science Department for Stanford

Semester Courses worked more efficiently than full year classes

In those classes

Basic Java

Use Scribbler bots to run their java code

Given a choice

Robotics - hands on coding more computer science based

Or Web Design

Middle School Class -

Pass / Fail grade

Python - easier to teach and then moved onto Java

5 Years Later...

Stem Committee

Stem Distinction on graduation

Working STEM into other subjects most prominently in Art through Physcial media using 3d Printers and Visual Communications

To Get into an AP Class basic programming is required

AP classes are self-chosen electives

Beginning Programming is being replaced with an AP principals class that covers a broad scope to prepare students for advanced Computer Science Classes

Our Difficulties

Full Grade classes are difficult

We, (Kew-Forest) Meet with our middle school grades (6,7,8) Twice in a 6 day cycle

Divided grade into “Section A” and “Section B” etc. would be beneficial to both students and teachers

Progressive Curriculum

6th - Introduction Digital Literacy

7th - Web based - HTML - CSS

8th - Python

NYC is pushing to make Computer Science a REQUIREMENT for graduation we should use this to push to make our Upper School Courses or a future course MANDITORY for graduation.

King School Stamford CT Curriculum Guide https://www.kingschoolct.org/academics/upper-school/upper-school-curriculum