Computer Science Education

6th Grade: Foundations of Computer Programming

This course will provide an exploratory foundation in computer programming. It is designed to be taught in a 9-week rotation in 45-minute daily classes. Standards should be taught in the order presented with the exception of Standard 1 being an embedded standard with ongoing learning regarding employability and career opportunities. Through integrated instructional activities, students will have opportunities to apply employability skills and to research possible career options in the information technology area. They will also complete many hands-on activities to build a strong foundation in computer coding. Capstone projects should be incorporated at the completion of all standards as time allows. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared for the following pathways upon entering high school: Internet of Things, Programming, and Computer Science. This course may be taught in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. 

7th Grade: Foundations of Interactive Design

The GSE for Computer Science immerses students in the practices of Computer Science from Kindergarten through grade 12, outlining a comprehensive K-12 discipline for all students. Foundations of Interactive Design is designed to...

In today’s world individuals are building and creating webpages to share their ideas or advertise their businesses, products, or services. Web pages can be used as digital portfolios to support resumes in the careers of artists, fashion designers, photographers, and animators. Websites are used for businesses to introduce, advertise, and generally establish a presence across every industry. In the Web Design and Development unit, students will be introduced to web page development using HTML. Students will understand that Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is the language for building web pages. The will Understand the importance of HTML tags that define how the web browser will format and display the text or content on the web page. Students will understand that web development is a useful skill regardless of what career path they choose. Also, students will have the opportunity to think outside of the box and be creative, which are essential employability skills that employers look for in their employees.

Furthermore, video games have become a ubiquitous part of today's world. On computers, consoles, smartphones, tablets, built into smart cars, on VR devices, and more, video games have become one of the most popular forms of entertainment. In this unit students, will learn coding skills necessary to make a video game by making increasingly complex interactive animations. Once they have mastered the basic principles of interactive design students will create an original game. From the concept document outlining the game's plot, purpose, and mechanics, to the game itself coded for play. Finally, students will have users test their game, before debugging and publishing it.

8th Grade: Foundations of Secure Information Systems

This course will provide an exploratory foundation in information systems, networking, and cybersecurity. It is designed to be taught in a 9-week rotation in 45-minute daily classes. Standards should be taught in the order presented with the exception of Standard 1 being an embedded standard with ongoing learning regarding employability and career opportunities. Through integrated instructional activities, students will have opportunities to apply employability skills and to research possible career options in the information technology area.  They will also complete many hands-on activities to build a strong foundation in computer hardware and connectivity. Capstone projects should be incorporated at the completion of all standards as time allows. Students who successfully complete this course will be prepared for the following pathways upon entering high school: Information Support & Services, Networking, and Cybersecurity. This course may be taught in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.