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.
CS Methodology Course
As part of a major grant from the National Science Foundation Math and Science Partnership, the MOBILIZE project has been developing and testing a methods course to help prepare pre-service teachers
to teach computer science. This work, carried out by UCLA, the University of Oregon, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and CSTA also involves the development of software and curriculum materials
(for incorporation into the Exploring Computer Science curriculum), teacher preparation materials, and intensive professional development for teachers.
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Methods Course Syllabus
This methodology course was developed to assist pre-service mathematics and science teachers to build the pedagogical knowledge and equitable teaching practices needed to teach secondary computer science
concepts. Click here to download the methods course syllabus.
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Reading List
While the current body of research is not extensive, there are a significant number of key studies and papers that provide valuable insight into and information regarding methods courses for pre-service computer science teachers.
This list of readings has been compiled to support further discussion on this issue. Click here to download the methods course reading list.
ACM Model Curriculum, 2nd Edition
Preparing Young People to Excel in Computer Science
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
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.
CAS Computing Curriculum (UK)
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.
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!
Introduction to Creative Computing with Scratch
The ScratchEd team at MIT has developed a twenty-session curriculum guide that offers a design-based introduction to computational thinking with Scratch. The guide includes lesson plans, sample projects, and handouts.
Click here to learn more.
