(gr. 6-8)

In this grade 6–8 unit, students explore how coding can solve real-world community problems by identifying an inefficiency at school or locally and using computational thinking to plan a solution. They build and iterate a simple app/game/simulation (e.g., in Scratch, Python, or code.org), test it with users, consider ethics like data privacy and digital responsibility, and then share the final product and process.

💡 Driving Question

How can coding be used to solve a real-world problem or make everyday life easier in our community?

🎯 Big Idea

Technology is a language that can transform data, efficiency, and human experience.

🧠 Design Thinking Focus

Define a local or school-based challenge → Code a solution → Test → Iterate → Share app or simulation

📚 Depth & Complexity Icons

• Trends: How tech evolves to meet human needs

• Language of the Discipline: Algorithms, variables, logic gates

• Ethics: Data privacy, digital responsibility

• Rules: Syntax, debugging, computational thinking

🧩 Key Tasks

• Interview peers/teachers about inefficiencies or problems

• Design a simple app, game, or coded simulation (using Scratch, Python, or code.org)

• Test usability and gather user feedback

• Present product and coding process

🔍 DOK 3–4 / Bloom’s (Evaluate–Create)

• Analyze: What steps in your algorithm are most critical for efficiency?

• Evaluate: How does your code address user needs while avoiding unintended consequences?

• Create: Develop and present a final version that improves performance or user experience.