Grades 6 - 8

From Block to Text-based Programming

Many universities introduce CS through block-based programming to assist students transition to a text-driven language.

The middle school grades opens up a larger number of curriculum providers with a focus on transitioning students from the block to a text-based programming language. As in the younger grades, the first choice to make is to determine if CS will be offered as an elective each year as a structured sequence. If not, schools will have to determine when during the middle school grades to introduce a CS course a minimum during one of the three years or identify opportunities within the core content curriculum to integrate CS activities.

Learn: Watch the video to learn why block-based programming can assist students transition to a text-based programming language.
Practice: Practice some advanced coding using a block-based programming language to create your own Dance Party.
Identify your Implementation Method: Now that you've experienced some advanced block-based coding, your next decision is to decide how you may bring this to your school.
1. Option 1 - Sequential: Time and staff permitting, CS can be offered once or twice a week or as a four-six week long course sequentially each year so students learn new concepts in each year.
2. Option 2 - Integrated / Grade Band: If sequential is not possible, CS can be introduced in an integrated fashion with an existing subject (math, science, etc.) OR taught during a select grade over the grade band (ex/ the 20 hour unit can be taught in 8th grade).
Select your Curricular Resource: Now that you've identified how to incorporate CS in your school, review and select one of the following curricular resources from either the left or right column below.

Sequential

Apple

Curriculum: Swift Playgrounds Learn to Code 1, 2, & 3
- Grade 6: Learn to Code 1
- Grade 7: Learn to Code 2
- Grade 8: Learn to Code 3
Minimum Hours: Approximately 45 hours for each grade
Cost: No Cost (for the curriculum but requires specific Apple hardware)
Additional Details: Requires iMacs and iPads

Code.org: https://curriculum.code.org/csf-18/

Curriculum: CS Discoveries
- Grade 6: Unit 1 - Problem Solving and Unit 2 - Web Development
- Grade 7: Unit 3 - Animations and Games and Unit 4 - The Design Process
- Grade 8: Unit 5 - Data and Society and Unit 6 - Physical Computing
Minimum Hours: 16-20 Hours for each grade
Cost: No Cost however teacher professional development is offered as a surcharge
Additional Details: Code.org is one of the only CS curricula available designed to be implemented each grade with sequenced lessons and scaffolded topics

Wonder Workshop - Cue

Course: Applied Robotics
Minimum Hours: 10 Hours for each grade
Cost: Upfront cost for robots & annual subscription for LMS
Additional Details: Can be integrated with Code.org to extend lessons over the course of a year

Integrated or Grade Band

Code.org - Grade Band

Curriculum: CS Discoveries
Minimum Hours: Six (6) 16-20 hours unites
Cost: No Cost
Additional Details: Same as sequential but schools can select individual units as opposed to teaching all six in sequence.

Code.org - Integrated

Algebra: Bootstrap 20-hour free module
Science: Project GUTS (Growing Up Thinking Scientifically) 20-hour free module
Cost: No Cost
Additional Details: Same as sequential but schools can select individual units as opposed to teaching all six in sequence.

Computer Science for All

Curriculum: Computational Media Creator: Build My City
Minimum Hours: 16-20 Hours
Cost: No Cost
Additional Details: Lessons and activities developed by the NY City Department of Education

Google Education

Curriculum: CS First
Minimum Hours: Seven (7) units that each include approximately eight activities and 10 hours each
Cost: No Cost
Additional Details: Free CS lesson plans developed by Google Education

Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

Courses: PLTW Gateway
Minimum Hours: Approximately 45 hours
Cost: ~$750/school plus additional cost for teacher professional development
Additional Details: PLTW is a national recognized engineering program

Google Sites

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