Computer Science

Computer Science

Every Student in the District
Learns Computer Science

Los Altos School district is a pioneer in computer science education, providing learning opportunities in the classroom since 2009. Starting with teaching every sixth grader how to code using MIT’s Scratch, the computer science program has grown to reach every single student in the district. Los Altos School district is one of the first districts in the country to implement the mission of ‘Computer Science for All’. Los Altos School District students learn to code and integrate this skill into other content areas. Articles on Los Altos School District computer science have appeared in Scientific American, NPR’s KQED, EdSurge and other publications. See list below.

In addition, Los Altos School district programs have been presented at several key conferences and national seminars on computer science education.

Los Altos School District Computer science education is funded by Los Altos Education Foundation (LAEF)

Key ideas behind Computer Science programs Curriculum and implementation

Integration: In K-8 content areas providing early access to all (part of a required class)
Creativity: Projects that are personally relevant. Not just maze puzzles and games (art, animation, music, stories)
Collaboration: Group projects, peer reviews, pair programming
Differentiation: Content accessible in multiple ways for students at all levels
Project based learning: Challenging long term collaborative projects that students share with the community

Outline of Los Altos School District Computer Science programs

K-2

Integration through STEM program

Use Bee-Bot, Scratch Jr (and possibly other robots) to introduce directions, concepts in problem solving, and sequencing. Show program as a series of commands in order. Show how to use programming to create simple animations, stories and games using block based Scratch Jr. Learn concepts of events, iterations (loops), messaging. Learn to work collaboratively using technology and express creativity through programming.

3-5

Integration through STEM program

Use Scratch to introduce algorithms to solve different problems. Reinforce concepts of events and iterations, and build further understanding of programming with conditionals, user-input, variables to create more complex animations, stories and games. Learn ideas of physical computing by controlling Lego WeDo motor and sensors through Scratch code. Learn problem solving skills through debugging activities and work on more challenging tasks collaboratively. Use Pro-Bot to connect drawing with turtle graphics code and build connections to math. Learn to use Makey-Make, Lego WeDo and Scratch together to build complex interactive projects.

Integration through CSTEM program (See more on CSTEM program here)

Delve deeper into computer science through a year long course with a focus on creativity and collaboration. Learn to create original video games and other projects that combine art and design with computer programming. Learn to collaborate on larger long term and open ended projects. Reinforce previous concepts in programming through Scratch, and introduce more advanced ideas. Develop skills in a text based programming using JavaScript and Processing.js on Khan Academy to create art and animations. Learn about circuits by building on breadboards and learn physical computing by controlling these circuits by programming the Arduino microcontroller.

7-8

Integration in Science Class

Learn about complex systems and the use of computer science to create models and simulations. Use agent-based programming through Starlogo Nova to create projects based on current Science units.

Computer Science Elective using Python (semester elective)

Use the programming language Python, to solve problems and create original projects. Understand various computer science concepts including algorithms, data, and networks.