Middle Grades

Middle Grades Course 1: MyCS is an introductory CS curriculum designed to help all students understand the relevance and significance of CS. It was originally created by CS faculty at Harvey Mudd College. Students learn about algorithms, data, robotics, and impacts of computing, as well as how to program in Scratch. The CS team recently rewrote the curriculum, based on teacher feedback; the revised curriculum will enable students to create animations, games, mazes, art, music, and robotics while learning foundational CS concepts and skills. 

Course codes: CSMS051, CSMS051T

Access online curriculum.

Middle Grades Course 2: App Inventor is a second-level CS curriculum designed for students who have already taken course 1, MyCS. Students learn to design and develop real, downloadable apps for Android devices using a tool created by Google and MIT. These apps include a soundboard, drawing app, quiz, slideshow, and various games. In their final projects, students will apply design thinking to collaboratively develop an app that will be used for positive social impact, addressing a community need or challenge.

Course codes: CSMS052, CSMS052T

Access online curriculum.

Middle Grades Course 3: CS Discoveries is designed for students who have already taken courses 1 (MyCS) and 2 (AppInventor) and is currently being adapted from a new curriculum created by Code.org. Students will build upon their foundation in CS and learn text-based programming, to create interactive animations and games in JavaScript. In addition, students will learn about the relationship between hardware and software while building interactive projects with Arduinos.

Course codes: CSMS053, CSMS053T

View SFUSD curriculum guide.

Access online curriculum.

PLC Resources