This foundational course allows young learners to familiarize themselves with the basics of computational thinking.
Duration: 12 hours
Grades: 3rd-5th
Level: Beginner
About this course
In this course, students will learn about basic computing concepts and how technology can impact their communities. They will conduct a study around social media use in their community, and create a graphical representation of the data they collect. They will also learn simple programmatic commands using the platypus coding environment. They will practice writing algorithms, debugging and collaborative coding. This will build a foundation that will help students feel prepared and excited about computer science when they start middle school.
Students will learn:
How to create algorithms and debug processes
How to collect data and visualize their findings
Decoding and encoding information using an algorithm
How this course is structured
The course is divided into 3 total units. Each unit has several lessons. Within each lesson are instructional videos and practice activities. It will take no more than 60 minutes to complete each lesson.
Course Syllabus
Unit 1: Data Everywhere
Lesson 1: What is data?
Lesson 2: How can we visualize data?
Lesson 3: Social Media Research Project Part 1
Lesson 4: Social Media Research Project Part 2
Unit 2: Ciphers and Secrets
Lesson 1: What is a cipher?
Activity: Make your own cipher!
Lesson 3: Song ciphers
Unit 3: Programming with Platypus
Lesson 1: What is an algorithm?
Lesson 2: Design a Platypus World
Lesson 3: Painting with Platypus
Lesson 4: Visualizing Data with Platypus
Lesson 5: Conditionals with Platypus
