Introduction to Middle School St. Johns’ Middle School follows a modified block schedule consisting of seven periods per week. Core classes meet three times each week and all Middle School students enroll in English, math, science, social studies, wellness, world language, and an arts course of their choice. In addition to a designated period each week for Character Foundations, Middle School students also have a designated class period to be used for Middle School electives, extra help sessions with teachers, study hall time, and other activities. Middle School electives are designed to provide both a reprieve from a student’s day as well as opportunities for leadership and personal growth. Electives provide students with opportunities to explore a variety of different topics, including technology, coding, creative writing, and Model United Nations (MUN). Students may extend their knowledge by pursuing many of these topics when they enter Upper School. A comprehensive athletics program begins in Grade 6.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
COMPUTER SCIENCE DISCOVERIES Grade Level: 7-8
SURVEY OF TECHNOLOGY Grade Level: 6
Students will explore and develop a variety of technology and computer science topics, including 3D design and printing, coding, and Google applications. Students explore and understand the process of computer programming through all these avenues. Survey of Technology Course Standards 1. Students will use digital tools to broaden their perspectives and enrich their learning by collaborating with others and working effectively in teams. 2. Students will use a variety of technologies within a design process to identify and solve problems by creating new, useful or imaginative solutions. 3. Students will critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others. 4. Students will be able to communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals.. 5. Students will develop foundational skills in Google applications.
S T. J O H N S C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
Computer Science Discoveries is an introductory computer science course for students in Grades 7 and 8. Mapped to CTSA standards, the course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as problem solving, programming, physical computing, user centered design, and data, while inspiring students as they build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems. Computer Science Discoveries Course Standards 1. Students will be able to identify the defining characteristics of a computer and how it is used to solve information problems. They will be able to use a structured problem solving process to address problems and design solutions that use computing technology. 2. Students will be able to create a digital artifact that uses multiple computer languages to control the structure and style of their content. They will understand that different languages allow them to solve different problems, and that these solutions can be generalized across similar problems. 3. Students will be able to create an interactive animation or game that includes basic programming concepts such as control structures, variables, user input, and randomness. 4. Students will see the design process as a form of problem solving that prioritizes the needs of a user. They will be able to identify user needs and assess how well different designs address them 5. Students will develop a basic understanding of various roles in software development, such as product management, marketing, design, and testing, and to use what they have learned as a tool for social impact. 6. Students will be able to design and build a physical computing device that integrates hardware inputs and outputs with software.
CURRICULUM GUIDE
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