Intro to Computer Science - K-2nd Grade - Fall Semester
In this semester long class, students will build confidence in themselves and their coding abilities either by solving puzzles or creating on various coding platforms such as Tynker, Code.org and Scratch Jr.
TechWise Academy
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(18)
What's included
12 live meetings
11 in-class hoursClass Experience
During these 12 weeks, students will learn the basics of computer science using Code.org, Scratch Jr. and Tynker. Other unplugged (or device free) materials might be used in order to prime students and get them thinking about certain computer science topics. Our philosophies at TechWise Academy: 1) Embrace Mistakes - Coding provides immediate feedback to the learner to correct any mistakes along the way. Mistakes are part of the process of learning. 2) Enjoy Learning - We use fun characters and games to make the learning fun for your student. We know that students learn better when they enjoy the process. 3) Explore Computer Science - We want to expose the problem solving techniques used in computer science to every child. We know every student will not be programmers one day; however, we want to give tools that can be used across any field of study or career. Below is a rough breakdown of what we will cover over the course of the semester. Topics and the order they are presented in are subject to change based on student interest, if a topic needs two class sessions or other reasons. We will be actively coding most of the class period, some students may require the assistance of an adult. *Students will need two devices- one for the classroom and one for the coding platform.* Week 1: Solving puzzles on Code.org (Ice Age) Week 2: Unplugged activity (the teacher will read a book and learners draw the pictures that go along with the words) and Solving puzzles on Code.org (BB8) Week 3: Using repeat loops on Code.org (Ice Age) Week 4: Using repeat loops to gather gems on Code.org (Laurel) Week 5: Solving puzzles and introduction to more computer science and coding concepts on Tyker (Space Quest) Week 6: Solving puzzles and introduction to more computer science and coding concepts on Tyker (Candy Quest) Week 7: Solving puzzles and introduction to more computer science and coding concepts on Tyker (Puppy Adventure) Week 8: Learning the basics of Scratch Jr., having and coding a dance party and creating a racing game Week 9: Creating a Crossy Road/Frogger style game on Scratch Jr. Week 10: Learning to make either a Hide-and-go-seek kind of game, a "don't catch me" game or a "avoid the objects" game on Scratch Jr. Week 11: Making a student designed and playable maze on Scratch Jr. Week 12: Using the skills we have learned so far to create and share an alien planet on Scratch Jr.
Learning Goals
Students will improve their problem solving and critical thinking techniques by using the four components of Computational Thinking: Decomposition (breaking big problems down into smaller problems), Algorithms (step by step directions in order to complete a task or goal), Pattern Recognition (finding similarities between different problems) and Abstraction (ignoring and removing the details of a problem so a solution can work for multiple problems).
Other Details
Parental Guidance
In addition to the Outschool classroom, we will be using three outside sources: Code.org (a website with login credentials), Tynker (a website with login credentials) and Scratch Jr. (an app that needs to be downloaded prior to class).
Code.org and Tynker will have the students log in to their pre-made account which is linked to a teacher account on either platform. These websites will have students solve block based coding puzzles. Some of the puzzles will be done as entire class while others will have the students try them on their own and an instructor will go through the puzzles after the students have had a chance to try it.
Scratch Jr. is an app that combines creativity and coding. The app can be downloaded on an IOS or Android device as well as a Chromebook. There is a version for Mac and Windows, it is just missing some characters but other than that it is the same as the app. We will use this app to create and customize different characters, make different animated stories, and create different playable games.
Supply List
Students will need two different devices- one for the Outschool classroom and one to be used for the coding platform.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined May, 2021
5.0
18reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a Graduate degree
Master's Degree from Ball State University
2 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Ball State University
Bachelor's Degree from University of Kentucky
The instructor has taught computer science and technology classes for over 4 years to students in grades K-5th. Reviews
Live Group Class
$180
for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
55 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 5-8
3-6 learners per class
