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Curriculum Layout

The curriculum is divided into three levels of progressive difficulty:

Level 1 is intended for children with no prior knowledge in computer science. It familiarizes students with using their computers and introduces them to the rudimentary topics of programming. Most of the activities are unplugged, but some involve block programming with Scratch and the Lego Spike Essential.

Level 2 uses coding to implement the topics learned in the previous level while also introducing more difficult topics such as loops, functions, and parameters. This level includes a balanced mix of unplugged and plugged activities. The plugged activities range from block programming with the Lego Spike Prime to using Python with lab activities and the Lego Mindstorm.

Level 3 is the most advanced level. It continues to build on previous topics, such as conditionals and loops, while again introducing complex topics fundamental to more advanced programming, such as data structures and objects. The activities in this level are primarily plugged, focusing on using Python with lab activities, the Lego Spike Prime, and the Lego Mindstorm.

Level	Topics	Materials
1	Computer Literacy Computer Science Algorithms Abstraction Programming Languages Variables and Data Types	Scratch Lego Spike Essential
2	Conditionals Loops Functions and Parameters Logic Gates	Python Lego Spike Prime Lego Mindstorm
3	Nested Loops Compound Conditionals Lists Objects, Classes and Methods Recursion	Python Lego Spike Prime Lego Mindstorm

Resources

Almost every individual topic in the curriculum is equipped with the following resources, with the exception of certain topics where some activities are not applicable.

Slide Deck: The slides include an in-depth explanation of the concept, supplemented with examples.
Unplugged Activities: These are activities that do not require a computer. They are helpful for providing a conceptual understanding.
Plugged Activities: These activities do require at least a computer. They involve using either Scratch, Python, or a Lego robot.
Tracing Problems: These problems involve reading and interpreting lines of code.

Scratch

Python

Lego Mindstorm

Lego Spike

Materials

Scratch: Scratch is a free block-based programming environment developed by MIT. It has a simple drag and drop interface that is easy for kids to learn, and it can be used to make stories, games, and animations.
Python: Python is arguably the most readable language, making it a top choice for entry-level programmers. Williams College uses Python in their Introduction to Computer Science course, which much of this curriculum is based on.

The following Lego robots are optional. Although the curriculum includes these tools, they are in no way essential and the curriculum can be completed without them.

The robots are accompanied by a Lego website that includes a collection of unit and lesson plans as well as a teacher development program. The Lego Mindstorm is no longer for sale by Lego but can be bought from other parties such as Amazon.

How to Use This Curriculum

This curriculum is essentially a collection of resources. Teachers can choose from the activities to form a syllabus that best suits their circumstances. This way, the curriculum can be flexible enough to be used in different settings, including schools, summer camps, extracurricular programs, and even at home. There are optional lesson plans that suggest different ways to conduct a lesson with the slides, plugged and unplugged activities, and tracing problems.

Don't Know Where to Begin?

Are you or your student unsure of where to begin? We have placement quizzes to help a student determine which level they should start with. The quiz score indicates whether a student should take that level or move onto the next one.