Course Details

Note: A course's programming language includes the [PP] flag to designate Proprietary Platform. This means that code written in this course would not run elsewhere without significant modifications or installations.

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Project STEM: Computer Science Explorations 1

Computer Science Explorations 1 is an introductory, classroom-based course appropriate for 6–8th+ grade students. It is designed with the new-to-CS student and teacher in mind and can be taught throughout a semester or over the course of a full academic year (1.5-2 hours per week of instruction per 9 week block).

Suggested for 6th – 8th Grade

~ 65 hours

Free to use

Platform

Proprietary Platform

Programming Language

Scratch

Device Compatibility

Computers (Windows, MacOS, Linux) and Chromebooks

Auto-Grading Availability

None

Date Modified

Created in 2021; actively updated

Funding Information

Subsidized by Amazon Future Engineer. Requires school application for sponsorship.

Lesson Structure

Unknown (only course-level artifacts were available to review)

Course Sequencing

Note: Must be taught in order

1. Motion (sequenced and parallel events, coordinate system) (15 Lessons)

2. Animation and Games (loops and conditionals) (19 Lessons)

3. Mazes, Games, and Storytelling (user input, variables, complex conditionals, random numbers, lists) (20 Lessons)

4. Art and AI (procedures, Booleans, pen tool, ethical implications of AI) (10 Lessons)

Course "Lens"

Students program a series of increasingly complex Scratch programs, which introduce them to various programming concepts as they complete each project.

Standards Alignment

Provides alignment to CSTA CS Standards.

Structure

4 Blocks 2 Units per Block ~10 Lessons per Unit

Training Available

Requires a Project STEM account, each course has a 10-hour self-paced PD module online.

Spotlight

Spotlight:

Unit Recaps and Debugging

The final lesson in each unit is dedicated to a Unit Recap and Debugging. Although specific information about the lessons are not available, using debugging as a review tool is an excellent way to both enforce concepts and internalize the importance of debugging. By including programs for students to debug that each contain errors related to concepts covered in the present unit.

Expert Take

Specifically designed with both novice computer science students and educators in mind, the course employs Scratch as a creative programming tool. Although Scratch is used, the curriculum encompasses the fundamental programming concepts applicable to any programming language. This approach ensures that students gain a robust foundation for future computer science courses. Throughout the course, students engage in problem-solving activities as they construct, remix and share animations, games, stories, music and art, in a collaborative environment. CSE1 is designed to be both engaging and relevant to student lives. The curriculum adopts a flexible approach to teaching and learning CS, featuring daily lesson plans comprised of inquiry-based activities, videos, assessments, and computing tools that support both hands-on instruction and immersive digital learning.