Tech Curriculum
Task Force

Curriculum Suggestions: SURVEY: Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8

 Technology Curriculum Task Force Member Synthesis Form 

First Trimester: Foundations of Technology and Digital Citizenship

1. Weeks 1-2: Introduction and Online Safety

   • Understand the nature and operation of technology systems.

   • Explore online safety, digital citizenship, and etiquette.

   • Participate in an Online Safety Pledge.

2. Weeks 3-4: Typing Proficiency and Digital Tools

   • Typing Club to reach a goal of 30 wpm with 95% accuracy.

   • Introduction to Bloom's Taxonomy and Maslow's Hierarchy to foster higher-order thinking and ensure a safe learning environment.

3. Weeks 5-6: Personal and Academic Digital Identity

   • Use Canva for "All About Me" poster & mission statement.

   • Implement digital portfolios using Google Sheets for a Personal Growth Tracking Project.

   • Emphasize ethical use of images and personal information consistent with Catholic values.

Second Trimester: Advanced Projects and Web Design

1. Weeks 7-9: Advanced Graphic Design and Web Development

   • Deep dive into Canva for creating logos and booklets.

   • Introduction to HTML for webpage design; focus on personal projects like the "All About Me" website.

   • Stress ethical considerations in web design, including copyright rules and internet safety.

2. Weeks 10-12: Integration and Presentation Skills

   • Continue with web design projects, adding interactive elements like polls and surveys.

   • Oral presentations to enhance public speaking and digital communication skills.

   • Incorporate Catholic teachings in online interactions, highlighting the permanence of online uploads.

3. Weeks 13-15: Review and Reflect

   • Review all projects and consolidate web design skills.

   • Prepare for end-of-trimester presentations of websites to the St. Leo's community.

   • Focus on website security, proper online conduct, and creating a positive digital footprint.

Third Trimester: Specialized Technology Skills and Ethical Use

1. Weeks 16-18: Advanced Coding and 3D Design

   • Introduction to coding with HTML and Scratch, focusing on problem-solving and logical thinking.

   • Explore 3D design using Tinkercad.

   • Discuss AI literacy and its implications for the future, integrating Catholic values and ethical considerations.

2. Weeks 19-21: Comprehensive Project Development

   • Students use all learned skills to complete a comprehensive technology project.

   • Projects include a multimedia presentation, a fully functional website, and a 3D model.

   • Emphasize collaboration and community engagement through technology.

3. Weeks 22-24: Presentation and Evaluation

   • Students present their trimester-long projects to peers, teachers, and invited parents.

   • Evaluate projects based on technology skills, creativity, adherence to ethical standards, and integration of Catholic values.

   • Reflect on learning outcomes and prepare for transition to high school technology applications.

Additional Components 1:

• Ethical and Legal Standards:

  • Regular discussions on ethical use of technology, including respecting copyright and ensuring privacy and security online.

• Catholic Values Integration:

  • Continuous integration of Catholic values into every aspect of technology use and online interaction.

• Community Interaction:

  • Students engage with the wider school community through technology-driven projects, showcasing their skills and learning from real-world feedback.

Additional Components 2:

• Guest Lectures and Workshops: Regular sessions with industry professionals.

• Field Trips: Visits to technology museums or tech companies to see real-world tech applications.

• Extra Credit Projects: Opportunities for students to explore personal interests in technology.

Curriculum Suggestions (additional):

Weeks 1-3: Digital Literacy and Online Safety

• Topics Covered: Understanding the internet, cybersecurity basics, online ethics, and digital footprint.

• Project: Create a digital citizenship poster that highlights the importance of online safety and etiquette.

Weeks 4-6: Introduction to Programming

• Programming Languages: Scratch for visual programming basics.

• Skills Learned: Basic commands, loops, variables, and simple game or story creation.

• Project: Design a simple interactive game or story using Scratch.

Weeks 7-9: Web Design Fundamentals

• Topics Covered: HTML basics.

• Skills Learned: Creating simple web pages, understanding web structure, and styling elements.

• Project: Build a personal or classroom webpage showcasing a hobby or project.

Weeks 10-12: Multimedia and Graphic Design

• Software Tools: Canva

• Skills Learned: Image editing, basic graphic design principles, and video editing basics.

• Project: Develop a digital portfolio or a short educational video on a topic of interest.

Weeks 13-15: Data Management and Visualization

• Tools Used: Google Sheets.

• Skills Learned: Basic data entry, use of formulas, and creating charts.

• Project: Analyze class survey data and present findings with charts and graphs.

Weeks 16-18: Robotics and Engineering Basics

• Tools Used: LEGO Mindstorms, Makey Makey, or simple Arduino projects.

• Skills Learned: Basic robotics concepts and introductory programming of robots.

• Project: Build and program a robot to perform a simple task.

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Proficiency in Technology Usage

• Goals:

  • Master file management and cloud storage concepts.

  • Achieve typing proficiency (30 wpm with 95% accuracy).

• Projects:

  • Organize a digital portfolio using cloud storage demonstrating proper file management and categorization.

Technology and Society 

• Goals:

  • Evaluate the impact of technology on individuals and the environment.

  • Apply Catholic values in digital interactions and understand the permanence of digital actions.

• Projects:

  • Conduct an e-waste campaign highlighting the environmental impact and ethical disposal of technology.

Ethical and Legal Issues

• Goals:

  • Understand and comply with copyright laws and fair use provisions.

  • Practice safe online behavior and privacy protection.

• Projects:

  • Create digital content for a class blog while adhering to copyright laws and Catholic ethical guidelines.

Research and Information Management

• Goals:

  • Use technology to locate, evaluate, and organize information efficiently.

  • Master the use of spreadsheets and databases for data analysis.

• Projects:

  • Develop a research project using online databases and present findings using various multimedia tools.

Creativity and Innovation

• Goals:

  • Use multimedia tools to express creative ideas and present information.

  • Evaluate technology tools based on their educational value and ethical implications.

• Projects:

  • Produce a multimedia presentation on a societal issue from a Catholic perspective using video, audio, and graphics.

Additional Components:

• Guest Speakers: Invite technology experts to discuss career paths in STEM and ethical implications in technology advancements.

• Field Trips: Arrange visits to technology companies that align with Catholic values.

• Service Learning: Engage in a community service project that utilizes technology to solve local problems, incorporating faith-based values.

Strategies to make the technology curriculum more appealing and engaging:

1. Gamification

• Integrate Game-Based Learning: Utilize platforms like Kahoot, Quizizz, or Scratch to turn learning into a competitive game. For coding, tools like CodeCombat or Tynker can gamify the learning process.

• Progress and Rewards: Implement a badge or points system where students earn rewards for completing tasks, achieving high scores, or mastering skills.

2. Project-Based Learning (PBL)

• Real-World Projects: Allow students to work on technology projects that solve real-world problems or are relevant to their interests (e.g., designing a simple app, creating a website for a local community service).

• Choice in Projects: Give students options to choose their projects or the aspect of a project they are interested in, enhancing their engagement and ownership of the learning process.

3. Interactive and Collaborative Learning

• Group Work: Encourage collaboration by having students work in groups to build projects or solve problems. This promotes social interaction and makes the learning process more engaging.

• Use of Interactive Tools: Tools like interactive whiteboards, virtual reality (VR), or augmented reality (AR) can provide immersive learning experiences that captivate easily bored students.

4. Incorporate Multimedia and Technology

• Videos and Animations: Use educational videos, animations, and simulations to explain complex concepts. Tools like Adobe Spark or Animoto can help students create their own video content.

• Podcasts and Audio: Some students might prefer audio learning. Consider incorporating educational podcasts or having students create their own podcasts on topics being studied.

5. Flexible Learning Environments

• Choice of Learning Paths: Offer students different paths to achieve the same learning outcomes, such as video tutorials, reading materials, or interactive quizzes.

• Flexible Seating and Movement: Allow students to choose where and how they work best. Flexible seating options and the freedom to move around can help maintain their interest and focus.

6. Frequent Changes in Activity

• Short Learning Modules: Break down lessons into shorter, manageable segments. This helps in maintaining attention and provides natural breaks to refresh.

• Varied Instructional Strategies: Rotate between direct instruction, hands-on activities, student-led teaching, and discussion sessions to keep the rhythm dynamic and engaging.

7. Student-Led Learning

• Leadership Roles: Assign students to be "experts" for the day on specific tools or topics, empowering them to lead discussions or demonstrations.

• Teaching Others: Encourage students to prepare presentations or tutorials for their peers or younger students, which can enhance their understanding and engagement with the content.

8. Regular Feedback and Reflection

• Interactive Feedback Tools: Use tools like Google Forms or Microsoft Forms to collect feedback on what students enjoy or dislike about the course, adjusting the curriculum accordingly.

• Reflection Sessions: Have regular sessions where students can reflect on what they have learned, discuss their challenges, and suggest improvements to the curriculum.