Over the past few decades, computers have transformed both the world and the workforce in many profound ways. As a result, computer science and the technologies it enables now lie at the heart of our economy and the way we live our lives. To be well-educated citizens in a computing-intensive world and to be prepared for careers in the 21st century, our students must have a clear understanding of the principles and practices of computer science. No other subject will open as many doors in the 21st century as computer science, regardless of a student’s ultimate field of study or occupation. -CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards
Creative Coding Through Games and Apps - Curriculum Information
Creative Coding through Games and Apps uses TouchDevelop to introduce fundamental programming concepts through a series of interactive lessons that build upon ideas in previous lessons. In many lessons, students are introduced to concepts through video instruction embedded within the programming environment. After being introduced to a concept, students are guided through writing code that practices the concept. As such lessons progress, guidance is reduced, requiring students write code independently. At the conclusion of many lessons, students are directed to complete unguided projects that reinforce concepts and encourage them to be creative and to explore further. Students will not be learning a coding language and will not be receiving formal computer science training. Creative Coding through Games and Apps introduces concepts within the context of a game, app, or puzzle. For example, when learning about conditionals, students may be asked to complete a partially functioning game by adding the necessary conditional logic to complete the game. As the course progresses, students bring concepts together by creating simple apps and games of their own. Finally, students build upon each other’s work by publishing and sharing their games and apps. Description Creative Coding through Games and Apps is a first-semester course for introduction to programming for the early secondary grades. The course is designed to attract and reach a broad and diverse range of students, including those who may have never before considered programming. Students learn how to code by working in a real software development environment to design, program and publish mobile apps and games. Learning to code by creating real products, students discover how to make amazing things and have an impact on their world. Creative Coding through Games and Apps is designed to be delivered with success by any teacher, regardless of computer science background. Featuring online and in-class lessons that emphasize hands-on coding, the course can be taught via any modern web browser on phones, tablets, laptops or desktop computers. The combination of online plus in-class resources provides flexibility in teaching style, allowing educators to choose the right balance for their students of in class instruction and out-of-class study. Vision By developing problem-solving and computational-thinking skills in the context of learning fundamental computer science concepts, Creative Coding through Games and Apps sets students of early secondary grades on a journey to become well prepared for life and careers in the contemporary world. At the core of the learning experience in Creative Coding through Games and Apps are the beliefs that students invest when they can be creative, that students learn best by doing, and that social engagement can be a powerful accelerant to learning. These beliefs are brought to life by using leading-edge technology to create an interactive and immersive learning experience focused on solving real-world problems that are relevant to students’ lives. Audience In addition to youngsters who are already motivated and curious about coding, Creative Coding through Games and Apps is intended for students in early secondary grades who have never expressed interest in programming, have no previous experience in programming, and/or who may lack confidence in their technical skills. Typically, students who study computer programming are self-motivated students with a strong affinity for mathematics and complex logical reasoning. While Creative Coding through Games and Apps will appeal to these students, it is specifically designed to attract a broad student audience through emphasis on creativity, relevance, and realworld results. For student success in this course, prerequisite knowledge and skill in reading and mathematics equivalent to 7th grade level is advised.
Explain My Grade:
P 100% - 70%- Passing - you have completed all work on time frame at your best ability. You demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to learn something new. F 69% - 0%– Failing – you haven’t completed all work – or done it on the time frame required. Poor attitude and not working daily on learning something new.
Grades will be an average of Daily Participation, Worksheet Completion, Quizzes, and Projects.
Required Material:
Headphones - if they don't want to use the classroom ones Composition Notebook - to journal in during lessons and take notes 1" 3-ring binder - to keep all materials that will be part of grade