Embedded Files
Illinois Continues it's Dedication to Computer Science Equity
Illinois Continues it's Dedication to Computer Science Equity
Illinois is dedicated to bring high quality computer science education to all students across the state, regardless of background, experience, or location. As a promise to that dedication, the state allocated funds to create the Computer Science Equity Grant Program. This grant allowed groups to generate curriculum, create learning opportunities, engage students and so much more.
Our goal, in the development of a middle school curriculum, under the Computer Science Equity Grant, was to "prepare students in those grades to participate successfully in secondary computer science coursework or future computer science careers." We worked hard to create a dynamic, hands-on curriculum that encouraged engaged learning and comprehension for all students. This curriculum, originally titled AI Powered Huskies, was first going to be one long project that a classroom teacher could use in their science or technology classrooms. However, after talking with different educators from across the state we realized that it wouldn't be accessible because many teachers and students had never incorporated the type of technology we were using. From that, the idea of creating a curriculum that was introductory enough for all students to understand computer science while holding components of project development for those more advanced students was born.
We are pleased to now present to you, From Circuits to Smart Systems - a complete introduction to electricity, circuitry, sensors, and Artificial Intelligence.
Research
Research
Before any curriculum was developed, the NIU STEAM educators worked with industry professionals and working classroom teachers to identify the gaps in education and industry needs to plan the best path for content development.
Development
Development
Throughout the development stage, all lessons, slides, and support materials were developed by a team of educators and industry professionals. The team included a computer scientist, an Illinois licensed science teacher, a University Professor, and STEAM educators.
Evaluation
Evaluation
The curricular supports, including standards alignment and content, were run through a series of 2-week pilots. Participants, educators, and families offered feedback and suggestions regarding their experiences. All feedback was considered in the creation of the final product.
The Pilot
The Pilot
In 2024 members of the NIU STEAM team at Northern Illinois University invited middle school students to engage in a series of two week summer workshops where the curriculum was piloted in it's entirety.
Each workshop was taught for 20 hours. The design of the workshop allowed for students to learn and engage with the curricular supports in a classroom setting, with all lessons taught by Illinois licensed classroom teachers. The curricular resources were taught to fidelity to ensure any modifications reflected the feedback from the participants.
Students and observing educators offered feedback on how the curriculum flowed, content covered, pacing, and all aspects of the lessons. All feedback was accounted for and lessons and activities were re-modeled for subsequent sessions and ultimately the final product.
Students included in the pilot workshops were diverse in their knowledge, background, demographics, skills, and were all rising 6th - 8th grade students who had limited exposure to STEAM, coding, and computer science. Students participated in the program free of charge to themselves or their families.
A note on AI
A note on AI
Being fully transparent while using AI is very important to us. As we worked to develop this curriculum for teachers and students, we considered the implications of Artificial Intelligence and the current uses in the classroom and within industries. It is a very useful tool, but it often makes mistakes and cant fully test our activities or labs. It also will assume a common outcome, not taking into account student diversity. That made using AI in the development of this dynamic and immersive curriculum difficult. Because we wanted our students to be engaged and the lessons to meet the needs of each student, we worked hard to generate our own materials without the use of AI.
However, we did use AI as a co-designer for our logo and incorporated opportunities for students and teachers to AI use within the curriculum itself. The goal - safe, ethical, and effective uses of AI in the classroom and for personal growth. Any materials that were developed in part or whole using AI will be clearly identified to maintain that level of transparency.
Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Jess Winn
Jess Winn
Jess is a veteran Science, Math, and CTE Engineering teacher who now works with Northern Illinois University to develop curriculum, direct college based summer camps for 2-12, and run a STEAM after school program. She has dedicated her career to finding ways to engage students in hands-on learning that is meaningful to their lives. She's trained as an instructional coach and has worked with teachers all over the country in her work with NASA, the National Park Service, and PBS.
Yaw Agyemang
Yaw Agyemang
Yaw is a computer scientist who works with Northern Illinois University in NIU STEAM. He is a STEAM professional focused on clarity, responsibility, and consistent execution. Yaw consistently approaches work with composure, sound judgment, and respect for process. He values integrity, steady progress, and long-term results over recognition.
Page updated
Report abuse