Summary for 7th Grade Computer Science

To access the curriculum guides for 7th grade, click on the following link:

Excel

Book
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Unit 3: Interactive Animations and Games

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Duration: 21 days

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Overview: Unit 3 introduces students to creating interactive animations and games. They learn to develop and debug algorithms, focusing on user input and optimizing performance. This unit emphasizes using computational thinking skills such as algorithm development, decomposition, abstraction, and pattern recognition, enabling students to bring their creative ideas to life through coding.

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Key Concepts:

• Algorithm development

• Debugging and optimization

• User input handling

• Interactive storytelling
   

Activities:

• Developing interactive animations and games

• Debugging and refining algorithms

• Group activities to brainstorm and implement game ideas

• Reflecting on and improving their projects
   

Skills Developed:

• Creating and debugging interactive animations

• Applying computational thinking to solve problems

• Collaborating on creative projects

• Iterative improvement through testing and feedback
   

Assessment:

• Completed animations and games

• Debugging logs and reflections

• Group presentations of projects

• Peer and teacher feedback
   

Special Education Accommodations:

• Visual aids and step-by-step guides

• Pairing students for collaborative work

• Use of graphic organizers and manipulatives
   

Unit 4: The Design Process
 

Duration: 24 days
 

Overview: Unit 4 guides students through the design process, from brainstorming to the final presentation. They engage in prototyping, testing, and refining their designs, learning to incorporate feedback and iterate on their ideas. This unit focuses on developing problem-solving and design-thinking skills, which are essential for creating effective and user-friendly projects.

 

Key Concepts:

• Design thinking and brainstorming

• Prototyping and user testing

• Iterative improvement

• Presentation and feedback
   

Activities:

• Brainstorming and planning design projects

• Creating and testing prototypes

• Collecting and analyzing user feedback

• Presenting and refining final designs
   

Skills Developed:

• Applying design thinking to solve problems

• Creating and testing prototypes

• Incorporating feedback to improve designs

• Communicating ideas effectively through presentations
   

Assessment:

• Design project plans and prototypes

• User feedback and analysis reports

• Final project presentations

• Reflection entries on the design process
   

Special Education Accommodations:

• Visual aids and step-by-step instructions

• Pairing students for collaborative work

• Use of graphic organizers and manipulatives
   

Overall Goals:

• Foster creativity and problem-solving skills

• Introduce foundational concepts in interactive media and design

• Encourage iterative improvement and reflection

• Develop collaborative and communication skills through group projects and presentations

These units provide a comprehensive introduction to interactive media and design, preparing students with the foundational skills needed for more advanced topics in future grades.

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