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COMPUTER SCIENCE
Introducing computer science to 6th graders is vital because it establishes foundation-level digital literacy, sparks early interest in high-demand careers, and satisfies state-mandated educational requirements.
Why Computer Science Matters for Indiana 6th Graders
Meets State Standards: Indiana law mandates computer science education for all K-8 students.
Drives Economic Opportunity: Tech is one of Indiana's fastest-growing, highest-paying job sectors.
Builds Problem-Solving Skills: Coding teaches logical thinking applicable to math and science.
Closes the Equity Gap: Early exposure ensures underrepresented students discover tech opportunities.
Encourages Digital Citizenship: Lessons teach kids how to navigate the internet safely and responsibly.
Key Focus Areas
Systematically identify and fix problems (troubleshoot) with computing devices and their components (e.g., checklist, decision tree, flowchart).
Recommend improvements to the design of computing devices, based on analysis of how users interact with the devices.
Describe what distinguishes humans from machines focusing on ways we can communicate, as well as ways in which computers use models of intelligent behavior (e.g., robot motion, speech and language understanding, and computer vision).
Describe that data can be represented in multiple encoding schemes such as binary, RGB values, hexadecimal codes.
Create visuals such as flowcharts, diagrams, pseudocode to represent complex problems as algorithms.
Discuss issues of bias and accessibility in the design of existing technologies.
Describe tradeoffs between allowing information to be public and keeping information private and secure.
Explain how physical and cybersecurity measures protect electronic information.
Document programs in order to make them easier to follow, test, and debug.
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