From Circuits to Smart Systems
6-8 Computer Science Curriculum created under the Computer Science Equity Grant
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Curricular supports to help you build the next generation of industry professionals
Curricular supports to help you build the next generation of industry professionals
What is FCSS?
What is FCSS?
From Circuits to Smart Systems is a free 40+ hour curriculum created to introduce students in grades 6-8 to:
Hardware (including microcontrollers, sensors, and diodes)
Software (including data collection, graphing, and minor computer programming)
Data Analysis (including graphing and data visualization)
Artificial Intelligence (including how it is created, ways it learns, and uses in today's life)
This curriculum walks new and experienced Science, Computer, and STEAM educators through the basics of microcontrollers (like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32's, etc.), how to use and program simple sensors for data collection, what to do with the data (evaluation using computer technology), and how AI works through hands-on lessons for students in middle grades.
These units work to teach and inspire students how to be the next generation of developers, programmers, machinists, engineers, and more who will work to improve the technology that currently exists and will exist in the future.
What Our Curriculum Is ✅
What Our Curriculum Is ✅
Focused on Technical Skills - The curriculum introduces students to both the hardware and software side of computer science in an approachable hands-on manner.
Accessible for beginners through advanced learners - Lesson plans include extensions and scaffolding to support a variety of learners and skill levels. For the most advanced learners, additional projects are already built out for easy integration.
STEAM Based Lessons - Each lesson focuses on a collaboration between multiple disciplines. This allows the curriculum to be successfully integrated in any classroom.
Inclusive of English and Spanish - Most lessons and student facing documents include both an English and Spanish version to ensure access between multiple languages.
What Our Curriculum Is Not ❌
What Our Curriculum Is Not ❌
SEL Exclusive Lessons - While our curriculum offers many opportunities and suggestions to integrate social emotional learning and practices into lessons, it's focus is on the development of workforce ready skills.
As a note: smart internet usage and safe artificial intelligence interactions are steeped into lessons encouraging students to take a clear look at their own interactions online.
Interested in more?
Interested in more?
This curriculum was developed by educators, professors, and industry collaborators based out of Northern Illinois University. We offer a variety of opportunities, curriculum, and more.
For more information please check out our website at:
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