Curricular Content

ENGAGE includes a game-based learning environment for teaching computational thinking and block-based programming accompanied with a series of computational modeling activities for science classrooms. The K-12 Computer Science Framework for middle school was adapted and situated within the ENGAGE immersive game-based learning environment. An important focus of the project’s ongoing work is to develop a suite of learning activities that can be adopted within a variety of middle school contexts including standalone computer science courses or as enrichment for subject matter areas including science and mathematics. The K-12 CS Framework curriculum introduces students to central themes and ideas in computer science, develops computational and critical thinking skills, and encourages students to engage in collaborative and creative work. The K-12 CS Framework curriculum aims to prepare students for critically engaging in public discussion on computer science topics;  develop as learners, users, and creators of computer science knowledge and artifacts;  better understand the role of computing in the world around them; and  learn, perform, and express themselves in other subjects and interests.


A vital step toward this goal is aligning the K-12 CS Framework curriculum with current standards for middle school grade levels. The project team drew on topics, standards, and science & engineering practices outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards as well as computational thinking practices to design and develop in-game and block-based programming activities. Teacher focus groups were conducted to obtain feedback on this alignment and to most effectively tailor the ENGAGE curriculum specifically for middle school classrooms. The ENGAGE game-based learning environment supports three curricular units that introduce fundamental computer science concepts such as variables and controls as well as core computational thinking practices such as recognizing computational problems, algorithmic thinking, and creating, testing, and refining computational artifacts. ENGAGE enable students to write programs to explore large-scale data in order to answer questions, find patterns, and connect computing to solving real-world problems. The ENGAGE computational thinking modeling activities consist of curriculum units that address common middle grades science concepts such as the spread of epidemic disease, energy flow in a food web, and invasive species.

Core practices adapted for ENGAGE include:

Fundamental concepts adapted for ENGAGE include: