Inspiring Computer Science Projects Happening in Every Grade
 

"Computer science was so fun! I want to do it every day from now on." - LASD 4th grader

LASD’s computer science program teaches students about the computers they use every day. They learn how to use code to express their creativity and make projects that are relevant to them. Computer science builds problem-solving and critical thinking skills and a way to experiment with math concepts. 

Find out what LASD students in each grade level learn in computer science. 

Kindergarten and 1st Grade

Kindergarten and 1st graders practice sequencing, creating step-by-step instructions for the BeeBot robots. They learn that their input causes the robot to do something in the real world and that they can combine a series of steps to complete other tasks. The Bee-bot is a great tool not just for practicing coding, but also to review spelling and other literacy skills.

2nd Grade

2nd graders express their creativity by using ScratchJr. to add code to move characters on the screen, and they learn to create basic stories using code. Students spend much of their school year learning block programming basics using ScratchJr.

New This Year in 2nd and 4th Grades: Ozobots

2nd and 4th graders learn the basics of programming using color sensors in an Ozobot robot. They solve problems for the robot by coding using color patterns and light that cause the robot to move in different ways. 

3rd Grade

3rd graders learn the basics of programming sprites in Scratch by making a creative name project. By clicking a letter, a student shares something about themself. They learn how to create more complex stories that require creating multiple characters and backdrops.

4th Grade

4th graders learn and apply important new programming concepts such as variables and conditionals. They are introduced to cybersecurity and how to make good passwords. Student projects include concepts about looping, repeating lines of code to make abstract art, geometric shapes, and creating interesting conversations with programmed sprites. 

5th Grade

5th graders learn to use Makey Makey as custom input devices that work together with block-based code to create fun, interesting, and accessible projects. Connections to universal design and building empathy are included in these lessons. Students expand their knowledge of variables in computer programming and apply them, along with their other programming skills to create virtual storefronts and their own video games.

6th Grade

6th graders use JavaScript code to create artwork using geometric shapes. They learn how to add variables and conditionals to create animations with Javascript. Each student learns to make a program that uses mouse clicks in different ways. Near the end of the year, they will write a program on a computer that will run on a Microbit.

Junior High

Students in junior high learn coding through projects integrated into their science classes. 

Additionally, they can choose one of two semester-long electives: Computer Science that teaches Python and how computers work, or Coding Apps Games and More that teaches JavaScript. 

New This Year: Finch Robots

Junior high students use Python and JavaScript code to control Finch robots. They use line tracking and distance sensors to navigate mazes and avoid obstacles. 

LASD has been a leader in computer science, teaching every child to code for many years. This year’s graduating class of 8th graders is the first class to have received CS instruction every year, Kinder - 8th! Our computer science team — Sheena Vaidyanathan, Brandon Marquis, and Alex Schroeder — continue to innovate to ensure that our students remain passionate about learning to code. 

Every LASD student has access to computer science, including groups that are not often well-represented in this field, such as girls, English language learners, and special education students.

Students who learn to code at an early age develop problem-solving skills, logic, and creativity while helping them understand the digital world around them. Learning computer science at an early age helps students perform better in other subjects and opens the door to future opportunities. Learn more.

Find out what's happening in other LAEF funded programs this school year.