Every TK-th grade LASD student is learning computer science — how to use code to express their creativity and make projects that are relevant to them. Computer science (CS) builds logic, problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity skills, and provides a way to experiment with math concepts. 

“Computer Science class is 5 stars because coding is a lot of fun!" – LASD 2nd Grader 

Recognized for its outstanding quality, LASD's Computer Science Program received the 2024 Glenn W. Hoffman Award for excellence! Check out this video and watch the amazing things LASD students have been learning. (There are a couple of commercials, but it's worth the wait!)

Computer Science Teachers

LASD’s computer science teachers work together to develop a curriculum that continually incorporates new ideas and devices, creating a cohesive experience for TK-6th-grade students. Basic principles that younger students learn are reinforced and expanded each year. 

CS teachers strive to help all students feel successful as they learn computer science by participating in engaging projects. Students acquire fundamental coding skills they will use throughout their years of learning. Junior high students have an opportunity to take elective courses such as Computer Science, Coding Apps, Games & More, Robotics & Drones, and more.

Computer Science Instruction By Grade
LASD students start learning the basic concepts of computer science, like algorithms, by manipulating physical objects in kindergarten. Each year throughout their time in elementary school, they receive more computer science instruction, building on the skills they learned in earlier grades. Here’s a brief description of what students learn each year.

Transitional Kindergarten

Transitional Kindergarteners are introduced to computer science basics in the spring with sequencing and algorithms. CS concepts are connected with read aloud stories around sequencing and patterns. They learn core concepts and apply their understanding of algorithms using unplugged hands-on activities

Kindergarten

Kindergarteners use Bee-Bot robots - a physical tangible object that turns abstract coding into something real that they can see and is simple and fun to use. They also use the Code.org app to learn about programming on iPads.

1st Grade

Using the Scratch Jr. app, 1st graders design an interactive “About Me Project” where they apply the skills they have learned. 1st-grade students continue using Bee-Bot robots to explore ideas of sequencing, algorithms, and events. 

As students engage in pair programming, they practice their skills in Code.org lab puzzle challenges. 

2nd-graders continue to develop their skills, adding to their understanding of the concept of loops. They use a variety of tools, such as the ScratchJr app, Ozobots, or Code.org, to apply their understanding by creating games. Ozobots are simple tiny robots that have sensors to detect color and can move based on lines drawn on paper. 

2nd-graders design their own game in Code.org Play Lab to learn about events and loops.

3rd Grade

3rd-graders use Code.org Sprite Lab, a block-based programming environment where they create simple animations and games with objects and characters that interact with each other. They create more complex projects using the concepts they are learning.

4th Grade

4th-graders use Code.org Sprite Lab, a block-based programming environment, and the Microbit, a small computer that can connect to the outside world, and program it using Makecode. They make their projects more complex by adding in "conditionals" statements.

Using the Microbit, 4th-graders learn about “abstraction” – taking something in the real world and making it as simple as possible so you can turn it into a coding project. For example, students programmed a microbit that was attached to their shoe to count their steps.

5th Grade

5th-graders use Code.org Sprite Lab on a Chromebook, Java Script, a Microbit, and Makecode. They learn to decompose large problems into smaller portable chunks so they can make bigger projects without getting overwhelmed. They continue to use the concept of "Abstraction" to simplify projects so they can be converted to code.
Toward the end of the school year, students advance to more complicated projects with Microbits and learn text-based coding using JavaScript. 

They also learn some C and program the motors of Botball robots to solve movement challenges.

6th Grade

6th-graders continue to develop more complex tasks using the Botball robots by adding servos to grab and move objects. Throughout the year, they apply their understanding of JavaScript to design scenes with characters. These essential skills enable them to create their own games using Makecode Arcade. 

Throughout the school year, 6th-graders create learning journals to cement their understanding, record their learning progress, and serve as a portfolio that they can share with parents.

Junior High

Students in LASD’s junior high robotics class build robots and program them to draw circles. Watch the robotics in action!

Blach and Egan students can continue to learn about CS by choosing from electives, such as "Computer Science", "Coding Apps, Games & More" and others.

The Computer Science elective is designed to help students learn computer science skills so they can express their creativity and solve problems. Using the programming language Python, they get a deeper understanding of how computers work, study algorithms, data, and the internet, and learn to design and code their own projects. 

The Coding Apps, Games, and More elective is a project-based class that uses different JavaScript coding tools to create apps and games and program Microbits to control LEDs (physical computing). This class gives students opportunities to create a variety of projects and teaches them user interfaces, peer testing, and presentation skills.

LASD has been a leader in computer science, presenting at STEM and Computer Science Education conferences and writing articles for 13+ years. Unlike most districts, LASD provides computer science instruction to every student every year, from Transitional Kindergarten to 6th grade — including English language learners and Special Education students. Junior high students can choose from a variety of computer science electives.
Through learning to code, students develop problem-solving skills, logic, and creativity so they better understand the digital world around them.