5th Grade

Computer Science Fundamentals

Computer science prepares all learners to be active and informed contributors to our ever evolving technical world. Computer science can be life-changing. While coding, our students are engaged in learning that is relevant to their lives, we feed into their curiosity, and support them in critical thinking skills, and creativity.

During our time together, the teacher's role is not one of being the source of knowledge, but rather the leader in seeking knowledge. As for our students, they will explore concepts and build their understandings through various physical and online activities. Off of the computer, our learners will collaborate and communicate during games, discussions, and creative tasks. When programming on computers, students are encouraged to share ideas or work collaboratively as pair programmers. The goal is to develop a common foundation upon which all learners can understand computer science concepts, regardless of prior experience.

We begin our time looking at how users make choices in the apps they use. Coders then learn to make a variety of Sprite Lab apps that also offer choices for the user. Later on, students will learn more advanced concepts, including variables and "for" loops. Learners are given greater autonomy and more choices.

Ethical Digital Citizenship

Digital Footprint & Identity

What does it actually mean to "be yourself" or to "be real"? Those are deep thoughts for any child. For kids today, these questions matter online, too. Help your students explore why some people create different or alternate personas for themselves online and on social media.

Cyberbullying, Digital Drama & Hate Speech

Miscommunication is a common occurrence online and on social media. Plus, being behind a screen makes it easier to say things they wouldn't say in person. So how do we help students avoid pitfalls of digital drama? In this lesson, students will learn how to avoid online drama in the first place and de-escalate drama when it happens.

News & Media Literacy

The web is full of questionable and inaccurate information. So how do we help students weed out the bad and find what's credible? In this lesson, students will dig into why and how false information ends up online in the first place, and then practice evaluating the credibility of what they're finding online.

Privacy & Security

Internet scams are part of being online today, but many kids might not be aware of them. How do we help our students avoid being tricked into clicking malicious links or giving out private information? In this lesson, students will learn to avoid online identity theft and phishing schemes.

Media Balance & Well-Being

We use digital media every day, from texting, streaming TV shows, and gaming all the way to using voice assistants or ordering food online. For today's kids, it's a lot more than just "screen time." So how can we help students balance their online and offline lives. It starts with recognizing just how much media we use.

Relationships & Communication

Games, social media, and other spaces give kids opportunities to meet and chat with others outside the confines of their real-life communities. But how well do kids actually know the people they're meeting and interacting with? In this lesson, students will consider whom they're talking to and the types of information they're sharing online.