Coding - 8th Grade

As a supplement to our programming units, students will also engage in creative projects using a custom-made pixel art program developed specifically for our course. This platform allows students to apply their Python skills in an artistic context, reinforcing their understanding of coordinates and command functions through visual design. Using simple commands to color individual pixels or fill areas on a 16x16 grid, students can create various images and designs, ranging from seasonal themes to abstract compositions. These pixel art projects allow students to practice programming concepts in an enjoyable, visually engaging way, bridging the gap between abstract coding skills and tangible outcomes. 

Building on the foundational Python skills acquired with Tippy the Turtle, students step out of the virtual grid world and into physical computing using micro:bit Hummingbird Kits. This segment of the curriculum introduces robotics and hardware control through Microsoft MakeCode, a versatile platform supporting both block-based coding and text-based Python. Here, students extend core concepts like commands, functions, and control structures to manipulate real-world inputs and outputs—including sensors, LEDs, and motors. By programming microcontrollers to animate and automate tangible projects, students gain hands-on experience in how software and hardware interact, preparing them for advanced technology and engineering applications.