Middle School Computer Science Curriculum

Computer Science Explorations is an introductory trimester long course for fifth-grade students. Closely aligned with CSTA standards, the course provides an overview of the following topics: Computer Systems, Computer Programming, Digital Media, Digital Citizenship, History of Computer Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Current Events, Real World Application of Computing Technologies, and Robotics. Students incorporate Computational Thinking strategies into each project and lesson. Those skills include tinkering, creating, debugging, persevering and collaborating. Reflective learning takes place in a digital portfolio through which students document their learning and achievements in technology over the course of the trimester. 

Computer Science Explorations is an introductory trimester long course for sixth-grade students. Closely aligned with CSTA standards, the course provides an overview of the following topics: Computer Systems, Computer Programming, Digital Media, Digital Citizenship, History of Computer Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Current Events, Real World Application of Computing Technologies, and Robotics. Students incorporate Computational Thinking strategies into each project and lesson. Those skills include tinkering, creating, debugging, persevering and collaborating. Reflective learning takes place in a digital portfolio through which students document their learning and achievements in technology over the course of the trimester. 

STEAM by Design is unlike any class you have taken before. It is not a class — but a student-directed learning opportunity around the topics of Science, Technology, Electronics, Arts and Math. Students should be interested in coding, design, electronics, engineering or robotics. Students are expected to deliver the required projects while risking and embracing failure. The guiding mantra of all STEAM by Design courses is expressed best by Kevin Brookhouser: “Failure is an Option, Failure to Deliver is Not.”

Students will learn how to direct their learning as they work on becoming knowledgeable and proficient in Coding, Augmented Reality, 3D printing, Design, Physical Computing, Drones, and Robotics. Students will complete Sustainable Development Goals-themed projects. 

A reflective learning portfolio with artifacts will be completed for each unit/project. Students must document their learning, reflect on their progress, communicate ideas to others to gather feedback, and reflect on their overall learning process.

This year-long class will use the Code.org CS Principles Class for students who want to learn more about computer coding. In this class, topics covered will include but are not limited to Problem Solving & Computing, Web Development, Interactive Animations & Games, The Design Process, Data & Society, and AI and Machine Learning. 

The guiding mantra of all STEAM by Design courses is expressed best by Kevin Brookhouser: “Failure is an Option, Failure to Deliver is Not.”

A reflective learning portfolio with artifacts will be completed for each unit/project. Students must document their learning, reflect on their progress, communicate ideas to others to gather feedback, and reflect on their overall learning process.

Prerequisite: None, although students should have a strong interest in learning aspects related to Computer Science.

Digital Communication and Design will focus on the elements and applications of graphic design. In addition to learning about the design process in visual communication, students will develop skills using Adobe and Canva design programs. This course will also incorporate activities in word processing and digital competencies. Students can expect to create digital designs that can be transferred to engravings, prints, and more. 

A reflective learning portfolio with artifacts will be completed for each unit/project. Students will document their learning, reflect on their progress, communicate ideas to others to gather feedback, and reflect on their overall learning process.

This year-long Design Thinking course will foster independent problem-solving, empathy, collaboration, leadership, and community outreach through a series of student-driven projects addressing today's and tomorrow's real-life challenges. 

Projects will start small and localized. The beginning of the course will emphasize the design thinking process while addressing problems that classmates and individual users face. Once students are familiar with the process, they will be asked to build solutions for issues at DA. The year culminates in students utilizing the design and collaboration skills they have built throughout the year to solve more complex community issues. STEAM-specific skills and resources-such as coding, graphic design, and 3D printing & design (and more) will be used to create prototypes of the solutions designed by the students. 

A reflective learning portfolio with artifacts will be completed for each unit/project. Students must document their learning, reflect on their progress, communicate ideas to others to gather feedback, and reflect on their overall learning process.