Curriculum Up Close: Your Hall Pass Into Computer Science and Innovation
Curriculum Up Close: Your Hall Pass Into Computer Science and Innovation
Grab your hall pass! Join us as we take a look inside various classrooms throughout Forest Hills School District to see what students are learning, the activities teachers implement to create memorable learning experiences and the small moments that lead to big success.
Teachers and administrators work diligently to develop and apply curriculum that allows students to engage with the material and feel empowered with the tools they need to excel. FHSD utilizes Courses of Study to help guide learning. These documents are developed and regularly reviewed by dedicated teachers and administrators, outlining the curriculum and goals. Alongside the courses of study, lessons are aligned to cultivate characteristics within the district’s Portrait of a Learner: a critical thinker, empathetic communicator, creative problem solver, engaged collaborator and adaptable learner.
FHSD’s Curriculum Up Close series spotlights one subject each month to highlight the lessons, activities and content that students are working on. February takes us inside the Computer Science curriculum at the high school level and Innovation at the elementary level. Keep reading to explore some of the work happening in these areas of study!
Mrs. Swisshelm - Second Grade at Summit Elementary
Second-grade students at Summit Elementary visited the iLab to engage with Dash robots. Mrs. Swisshelm led an activity that focused on coding the robots to follow specific paths. Students utilized their computers to input directions, while following coding puzzles in their books, to achieve required movements. Initially, they coded the robots to perform specific actions, such as traveling in a square, but after successfully completing the challenges these Bees moved on to creating their own coding puzzles for the robots.
The elementary Innovation curriculum gives students the opportunity to participate in hands-on STEAM learning experiences to promote an engaging environment that challenges students, promotes curiosity, and develops skills outlined in the district’s Portrait of a Learner. Mrs. Swisshelm is leading second graders to become critical thinkers and creative problem solvers in the iLab!
Mrs. Teismann - Sixth Grade at Wilson Elementary
Sixth graders at Wilson Elementary joined Mrs. Teismann in the iLab to explore a project called RA-RA-RATTLESNAKE using the moving Lego kits. Students assembled rattlesnake figures using supplied directions and materials. What resulted were rattlesnake figures that could move using remote controls.
With the creatures built, Mrs. Teismann encouraged the students to make observations about what they had just constructed. Their conclusion was that they all consist of rattles, like real rattlesnakes, which are used as defense mechanisms to warn off predators. So, Mrs. Teismann instructed students to go one step further: create a creature using the materials provided that also has a defense mechanism.
All characteristics of FHSD’s Portrait of a Learner were on display during this activity. Through group work, students employed empathetic communication and showed engaged collaboration. Additionally, the challenges and questions posed by Mrs. Teismann encouraged critical thinking, adaptable learning and creative problem solving.
Mr. Gaertner - Programming at Anderson High School
Students in Mr. Gaertner’s Programming class at Anderson began their exploration into game development using a JavaScript Library. They spent time in class completing various steps to develop their skills and understand what it takes to create a digital game. Mr. Gaertner made sure to walk around, answer questions and work one-on-one with students as they completed their work.
With activities and course offerings like this that build off the skills taught in elementary and middle school, students have the opportunity to not only develop characteristics within FHSD’s Portrait of a learner, like adaptable learning and critical thinking, but also open doors to potential career pathways and future interests.
Learn More about FHSD’s Computer Science and Elementary Innovation Curricula
It’s no secret that technology is a core part of our lives. FHSD’s curriculum recognizes that technology is a foundational skill that students must develop to be responsible, successful digital citizens. Technology is layered throughout all aspects of curriculum in FHSD, but targeted courses allow students to become skilled learners with opportunities for more advanced computer science work. Altogether, FHSD students have an array of opportunities to pursue interests and potential careers within the STEM field.
FHSD learning experiences are often supplemented by devices and programs funded by the Forest Hills Foundation for Education. We are grateful for the financial support provided by FHFE and its generous donors, which provided funds for the Dash robots and Lego kits mentioned in this article. Funding from FHFE is critical to improving the student academic experience at no added cost to taxpayers.
Find more information about FHSD’s curriculum in these district resources:
