Course Overview

Elementary Computer Science: “Coding Adventures” - Adapted from UC Berkeley CS10 for Grades 4-6

Course Structure

Unit 1: What is Computer Science? (Weeks 1-2)

Week 1 - Introduction to computers and digital world
Week 2 - Thinking like a computer and algorithms

Unit 2: Building Blocks of Programming (Weeks 3-5)

Week 3 - Introduction to Scratch Jr. and basic programming
Week 4 - Conditionals and interactive programming
Week 5 - Loops and patterns

Unit 3: Problem Solving and Logic (Weeks 6-8)

Week 6 - Boolean logic and decision making
Week 7 - Debugging and pair programming
Week 8 - Data organization and digital projects

Unit 4: Creative Computing (Weeks 9-11)

Week 9 - Digital storytelling and character development
Week 10 - Game design and interactive experiences
Week 11 - Digital art and music programming

Unit 5: Computers and Society (Weeks 12-13)

Week 12 - Technology careers and social impact
Week 13 - Digital citizenship and global connections

Final Projects and Assessment (Weeks 14-16)

Week 14 - Capstone project planning and development
Week 15 - Project completion and presentations
Week 16 - Showcase event and course reflection

Course Details

Duration: 16 weeks (32 lessons, 2 sessions per week) Class Time: 50 minutes per session Target Age: Grades 4-6 (Ages 9-12) Class Size: 15-20 students Prerequisites: None

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Understand fundamental computer science concepts including algorithms, programming, and computational thinking
Create interactive programs using visual programming tools like Scratch Jr.
Develop problem-solving skills through coding challenges and debugging exercises
Design and implement creative projects including games, stories, and digital art
Understand the role of technology in society and practice responsible digital citizenship
Collaborate effectively on programming projects and provide constructive feedback
Present their work confidently and explain their programming choices

Assessment Philosophy

This course emphasizes growth, creativity, and conceptual understanding over technical perfection. Students are assessed on:

Process over Product: Focus on learning journey and improvement
Creativity and Innovation: Encouraging unique solutions and creative expression
Collaboration: Working effectively with peers and providing supportive feedback
Persistence: Embracing challenges and learning from mistakes
Communication: Explaining ideas clearly and presenting work confidently