place-based computer science curriculum

The materials required for this project are easily found on the internet but can not only be costly but also require some prior technical understanding. Though it would be ideal to provide a computer science project that requires no background knowledge, some training or advanced hands-on exploration will be required on the part of the educator, particularly with  the Arduino kits.

Differentiating these curriculum materials will be necessary as students will be entering with a dynamic range of technical backgrounds. Some students are adept with technology and even have their own cell phones but may have never used a word processing application or program. Others may have a desktop computer and are very much familiar with the symbols, keys, and shortcuts required to code/program. Further, some students may even have backgrounds working with Code.org or other basic coding programs. 

My name is Andrew Bellamy and I am currently the grade 5 through grade 10 teacher at Johnny Oldman School in Hughes, Alaska. I teach all core subjects in addition to course electives such as music, art, physical education, business, and computer science.

My background is in Electronic Engineering, having an Associate degree in Electronic Engineering Technology and over twelve years’ experience as a Laboratory Technician, Component Engineer, Design Engineer, and Electrical Test Engineer. With a natural inclination to work with materials and a kinesthetic learning disposition, I see personal, anecdotal value in logical sequencing and technological activities. Further, I find programming and electronics enjoyable and engaging, which will not necessarily be the case with all students. There is a real-world applicability to these lessons relating to STEM related careers; even basic programming and electronics can be utilized in any number of personal ways. However, if students were to focus on some alternative career path, or if technology minimally influences and/or impacts their lives, then the contents of this program may not be connected, culturally or personally, in a way that benefits the students.