Computer Science

Foundations of Computer Science Kindergarten introduces young learners to essential computer science concepts in a fun and engaging manner. This course focuses on building a solid foundation in digital literacy and problem-solving skills. Students will learn about digital citizenship and internet safety, ensuring they understand the basics of responsible technology use from an early age. The course also includes an introduction to what computers are and how they work, providing a simple yet comprehensive understanding of computer hardware and software.

Throughout the year, students will explore foundational concepts such as sequencing and patterns, which are crucial for developing logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. They will engage in activities that involve recognizing and sorting data, fostering early data analysis and interpretation skills. By working on hands-on projects and interactive exercises, students will build a foundational knowledge of computer science.

Foundations of Computer Science Grade 1 introduces students to essential computer science concepts. The course focuses on building a foundation in digital citizenship and internet safety, teaching students how to navigate the online world responsibly. It also covers basic computer hardware and software, helping students understand how computers work. Students will learn to organize and categorize information through activities centered on data recognition and sorting. The course includes an introduction to problem-solving and algorithms, laying the groundwork for logical thinking and basic coding concepts.

Additionally, students will be introduced to artificial intelligence, helping them grasp the basics of how AI impacts everyday life. This comprehensive approach ensures that students understand foundational computer science principles while integrating them with their daily learning experiences.

Foundations of Computer Science Grade 2 provides a thorough introduction to essential computer science concepts. The course focuses on enhancing communication skills through digital tools, ensuring students can effectively use technology to express and share ideas. Emphasis is also placed on digital citizenship and internet safety, teaching students how to navigate the online world responsibly. The curriculum covers basic computer hardware and software, helping students understand the foundational components of technology.

Students will engage in problem-solving activities and learn introductory concepts of conditional logic, which are critical for understanding basic programming and decision-making processes. The course includes hands-on experiences with models and simulations, allowing students to visualize and interact with abstract concepts. Data analysis will be introduced, helping students develop skills to organize and interpret information. Additionally, students will recognize artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in everyday life.

Foundations of Computer Science Grade 3 offers a comprehensive introduction to core computer science concepts. The course emphasizes effective communication and collaboration through digital tools, ensuring students can collaborate and share ideas using technology. Key topics include digital citizenship and internet safety, helping students navigate the online environment responsibly. Students will gain a foundational understanding of computer hardware and software, explore introductory algorithms and coding concepts, and develop problem-solving skills.

The course also covers adaptive technology, showing students how technology can assist and enhance learning and daily tasks. An exploration of artificial intelligence in daily life will help students understand the impact of AI on their world. Copyright awareness is included to educate students about respecting intellectual property, while models and simulations provide hands-on experience with abstract concepts. Additionally, students will learn how to perform online searches and access digital resources effectively.

Foundations of Computer Science Grade 4 offers a comprehensive introduction to essential computer science concepts. The course focuses on developing communication and collaboration skills through digital tools, emphasizing digital citizenship and internet safety to ensure responsible online behavior. Students will build foundational computer literacy skills, understand computer hardware and software, and learn to write basic computer programs. Problem-solving using algorithms is a key component, fostering students' ability to approach and solve complex problems.

Additionally, the course explores adaptive technology and its applications, introduces the role of artificial intelligence, and covers the consequences of plagiarism to promote ethical use of digital content. Students will also proficiently use digital resources to support their learning and projects.

In Grade 5 Foundations of Computer Science, students will engage with fundamental computer science and mathematics concepts. The course covers essential skills, including communication and collaboration using digital tools, understanding digital citizenship and internet safety, and addressing cyberbullying. Students will gain hands-on experience with computer hardware and software, develop keyboarding skills, and explore programming and program debugging. Emphasis will be placed on problem-solving and data analysis, with opportunities to understand technology’s role in empowering careers and navigating digital resources while respecting copyright. By integrating these focus areas, the course aims to build a strong foundation in computer science while reinforcing critical thinking and technological fluency.

Secondary:

Coding Fundamentals 1 gives students an introduction to Physical Computing that guides students to explore fundamental CS concepts by programming with the micro:bit, a simple programmable computer device. Each unit of the course guides students through the learning process with three practices: analyzing computer applications, prototyping a project that reflects the result of their analysis, and communicating about their projects. Projects are based on teaching students to think computationally: to decompose problems, abstract and modularize, reuse and remix existing solutions, and to test fully to arrive at a working solution. Students that complete Coding Fundamentals 1 will be prepared to take the Programming and Logic Essentials Digital Tool Certification. 

Students enrolled in Coding Fundamentals 2 should have completed Coding Fundamentals 1. Students should have the basics of the Microsoft Make Code editor and the sensors on a Micro:bit. Students will apply concepts learned in Coding Fundamentals to the Makecode Arcade platform. This is the main game programming platform, which simplifies the complex internal logic into the form of building blocks, making it easy to understand. As long as students can understand the meaning of each block, they can easily get started with the game programming platform. The platform supports building blocks to code, other supported languages ​​are Javascript and Python. On the Arcade platform, students create advanced games with maturity of programming skills through step-by-step programming. Students will be prepared to earn the Gaming Essentials Digital Tool at the completion of this course

In Grade 6 Digital Discoveries, instructional time will emphasize the following areas:

Active learning experiences are relevant to students' lives, and provide students with authentic choice.  Students are encouraged to be curious, solve personally relevant problems and express themselves through creation.  Learning is an inherently social activity, so the course is designed to interweave lessons with discussions, presentations, peer feedback, and shared reflections.  As students proceed through the pathway, the structures increasingly shift responsibility to students to formulate their own questions, develop their own solutions, and critique their work.

In Grade 7 Digital Discoveries, instructional time will emphasize the following areas:

Active learning experiences are relevant to students' lives, and provide students with authentic choices.  Students are encouraged to be curious, solve personally relevant problems and express themselves through creation.  Learning is an inherently social activity, so the course is designed to interweave lessons with discussions, presentations, peer feedback, and shared reflections.  As students proceed through the pathway, the structures increasingly shift responsibility to students to formulate their own questions, develop their own solutions, and critique their work.

In Grade 8 Digital Discoveries, instructional time will emphasize the following areas:

Active learning experiences, relevant to students' lives, and provide students with authentic choices.  Students are encouraged to be curious, solve personally relevant problems, and express themselves through creation.  Learning is inherently social, so the course is designed to interweave lessons with discussions, presentations, peer feedback, and shared reflections.  As students proceed through the pathway, the structures increasingly shift responsibility to students to formulate their own questions, develop their own solutions, and critique their work.

This course will introduce students to the field of computer science, specifically the study of the many aspects of computing and networking systems and the rules, guidelines, and laws that affect their use in education, business, and everyday life.

In Grades 6-8, Introduction to Cybersecurity - Computer Science, instructional time will focus on areas such as computer hardware and software, wired and wireless networking, computing languages, internet and online safety, copyright and digital footprint, and career exploration.

Navigating Technology: Digital Literacy and Citizenship is a comprehensive year-long course for grades 6-8 that equips students with the foundational skills needed to thrive in a digital age. The courses focuses on essential aspects of digital literacy, including online safety, information literacy, ethical technology use, and digital communication. Students will explore the societal impact of technology and learn how to engage with digital tools responsibly and effectively.

Throughout the course, students will develop confidence and responsibility in their digital interactions, learning to make informed decisions about their online activities and understanding the broader implications of their digital actions. By the end of this course, students will have gained a deep understanding of digital literacy and citizenship, enhanced their critical thinking and communication skills in digital environments, and fostered safe and responsible online behavior. The course also encourages creativity and collaboration, providing students with the tools to navigate and evaluate online content while understanding the importance of privacy, security, and ethical considerations in the digital world.

Discovering Computer Science introduces students to the fundamentals principles of computer science, emphasizing its role as a tool for problem-solving, communication, and personal expression.  This course highlights the visible and impactful aspects of computing, encouraging students to explore how computer science influences the world around them. Students will engage with the design process, understand how data can solve widespread issues, and learn how physical computing with circuit boards can facilitate various input and output functions.

The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of computer science as a critical component of modern education. Through hands-on projects and real-world applications, students will develop the skills needed to become active contributors to our increasingly technological society. Whether they pursue careers in technology or not, this course equips students with the knowledge and tools to interpret and influence the digital world, fostering an appreciation for the profound impact of computer science on everyday life.

Principles of Computer Science provides students with a foundational understanding of key computer science concepts and explores how computing and technology influence the world. This course goes beyond basic programming to cover fundamental ideas such as algorithms, data structures, and the impact of technology on society. It aims to show how these concepts are shaping the modern world and preparing students to understand and engage with the technological landscape.

Throughout this course, students gain a critical perspective on how computer science can be applied to solve problems and drive innovation. It emphasizes the importance of computing as a liberal art, equipping students with the knowledge to be informed contributors to our increasingly digital society, whether they pursue careers in technology.

Computing affects almost all aspects of modern life, and all students deserve an education that prepares them to pursue the wide array of intellectual and career opportunities that computing has made possible. This course seeks to provide foundational knowledge and skills to meaningfully participate in our increasingly digital society, economy, and culture. 

AP Computer Science A is an introductory college-level computer science course. Students cultivate their understanding of coding through analyzing, writing, and testing code as they explore concepts like modularity, variables, and control structures.