Curriculum Resources

While not an exhaustive collection, the curriculum resources in this section provide useful examples of ways in which the learning standards described in the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards can be met.


ACM K-12 CS Model Curriculum, 2nd Edition

Preparing Young People to Excel in Computer Science

Although computer science is an established discipline at the collegiate and post-graduate levels, its integration into the K-12 curriculum has not kept pace in the U.S. As a result, a serious shortage of information technologists exists at all levels.

The second edition of the ACM Model Curriculum sets the context for computer science within K-12 education today and provides a framework for state departments of education and school districts to address the educational needs of young people and prepare them for personal and professional opportunities in the 21st century.

ACM K-12 CS Model Curriculum, 2nd Edition PDF (300 kb)



Exploring Computer Science Curriculum 4.0

The Exploring Computer Science (ECS) materials provide daily lesson plans and resources which support the teaching of six instructional units:
1) Human Computer Interaction
2) Problem Solving
3) Web Design
4) Introduction to Programming
5) Robotics; and
6) Computing Applications.

The curriculum adopts an inquiry-based learning model and each unit concludes with an in-depth project. The instructional materials have been developed for high school classrooms in Los Angeles Unified School District as an instruction tool for introducing students to the "computational thinking" of computer science.

This resource is distributed by CSTA as part of its participation in the CSEA Teachers Are Key grant project.

Download the Curriculum here

Visit the ECS website here!


Bootstrap
Bootstrap is built from the ground up to use algebra as the vehicle for creating images and animations. While many programming languages use terms like functions and variables, they actually refer to concepts that are incompatible with algebra. This makes it hard for students to apply what they've learned through programming to what they encounter in math class, and can have unintended consequences for their mathematical reasoning. In Bootstrap, functions and variables behave exactly the way they do in mathematics, and are subject to the same rules. Bootstrap's lesson plans, activities and projects are carefully aligned to state standards in mathematics, as well as the new Common Core math standards. Bootstrap lessons cover mathematical topics that range from simple arithmetic expressions to the Pythagorean Theorem, Discrete Logic, Function Composition and the Distance Formula. The program is based on cognitive science research and best practices for improving critical thinking and problem solving. Bootstrap has received support and/or endorsements by Brown University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Northeastern University, Google, and Microsoft, as well as the National Science Foundation. Learn more at bootstrapworld.org.


Model Curriculum Support Documents
  • Level I Course: Foundations of Computer Science (Objectives and Outlines)

    • The Level I Objectives and Outlines document presents learning objectives and sample educational activities for Level I as described in "A Model Curriculum for K-12 Computer Science: Final Report of the ACM K-12 Task Force Curriculum Committee." The Level I foundational material is recommended for all students in grades K-8.

  • Level II Course: Computer Science in the Modern World (Objectives and Outlines)

    • The Level II Objectives and Outlines document presents the learning objectives, assessment measures, and sample educational activities for the Level II course described in "A Model Curriculum for K-12 Computer Science: Final Report of the ACM K-12 Task Force Curriculum Committee." The Level II course is recommended for all students in grades 9 or 10.

  • Level III Course: Computer Science as Analysis and Design (Objectives and Outlines)


    • The Level III Objectives and Outlines document presents the learning objectives, assessment measures, and sample educational activities for the Level III course described in "A Model Curriculum for K-12 Computer Science: Final Report of the ACM K-12 Task Force Curriculum Committee". The Level III course is intended for students who may be interested in continuing their education in computer science and other computer-related disciplines at the college level.


International Curricula

UK Computing Curriculum

This curriculum, produced by a working party within the Computing at Schools (CAS) association in collaboration with the British Computing Society, describes in concrete terms what a Computing curriculum at school might look like in Britain. It uses the same structure as the National Curriculum Programmes of Study: importance of the discipline; key concepts; key processes; range and content; and level descriptors. It is intended to be comprehensible to school teachers. For more information on CAS, see computingatschool.org.uk.

Click here to download the CAS curriculum.



   

CSTA works at many levels to support computing education.

Middle school
(problem solving &
algorithmic thinking)

High school
(computing &
computer science)

College/university
(enrollment &
transition)

Industry
(engagement &
preparation)