Middle School Pathways in Computer Science Curriculum
Description
CS Pathways is a 20-hour introductory computer science curriculum for middle school which builds digital literacy skills as a pathway into computer science. It is based on having students design mobile apps for social good. The curriculum was developed with NSF funding in a collaboration with teachers in Everett and Medford, MA, and is intended to be integrated into technology, engineering, science, math, library, or art courses.
During the first project year, a reference curriculum was prepared by teachers Denise Salemi and Dawn Munro, both technology teachers in the Everett School district. This curriculum was shared with teachers joining the project in subsequent years.
Denise retired from teaching after the project’s second year. A dissemination version of the curriculum is based on Dawn’s continued work.
It consists of approximately 15 lessons covering 20 hours of classroom content. Lessons are tied to MA state technology and the 2016 Digital Literacy and Computer Science standards, as well as the 2011 CSTA K-12 Standards.
Below is a summary of the lesson plans, a PDF containing the full set of lessons, and a link to set of handouts and other resources prepared by project teachers.
| Sequence | What We Did |
|---|---|
| 1 | Overview and permission form distribution |
| 2 | Partnerships |
| 3 | Apps and giving computer instructions |
| 4 | Tablet and file basics |
| 5 | Meow app and intro to computer science |
| 6 | Using App Inventor |
| 7 | Brainstorming app ideas |
| 8 | Technology breaking down barriers in careers |
| 9 | Analyzing CS professionals’ careers |
| 10 | Beginner “Talk To Me” app |
| 11 | Downloaded media into apps (Virtual Symphony) |
| 12 | Other tutorial apps: Ball Bounce, Digital Doodle |
| 13 | if/then/else with MLK starter app |
| 14 | CS professional guest visitor |
| 15 | Writing proposals for final apps |
| 16 | App creation mini-sessions |
| 17 | Showcase |
STELAR is not the author of these materials and cannot provide permission or access. For more information click the “Related Projects” link below.