Elementary Computer Science
Our elementary PLTW Launch program introduces students to programming through block-based programming via Scratch Jr, Scratch, Tynker, and VEX IQ Blocks. All computer science modules are initiated with an unplugged activity to help students gain a foundational understanding of computational thinking by creating and following algorithms and other activities. Students learn about programming, pair programming and computational thinking through scaffolded lessons. Students advance upon their programming skills each other learning more advanced concepts, skills and programming.
Grade Level and Course Title |
Description and Learning Standards |
Notes |
Kindergarten PLTW Animals and Algorithms |
Introduction to programming with ScratchJr. Students learn to: follow a step by step method to solve problems, develop programs with sequences and simple loops, debug, and develop persistence. |
A2 STEAM, others engineering concepts |
1st Grade PLTW Animated Storytelling |
Introduction to programming with ScratchJr. Students learn to: create and follow algorithms, develop programs with sequences and simple loops, decompose the steps needed to solve a problem, develop plans for a programs sequence of events, and debug errors to create animated stories. |
All Ann Arbor Public Schools elementary buildings |
2nd Grade PLTW Grids and Games |
Building programming skills with ScratchJr. Introduction to programming with ScratchJr. Students learn to: create and follow algorithms, develop programs with sequences and simple loops, decompose the steps needed to solve a problem, develop plans for a programs sequence of events, debug errors, repeat loops and correct terminology to create their own video game. |
All Ann Arbor Public Schools elementary buildings |
3rd Grade PLTW Programming Patterns |
Enhancing programming knowledge with Scratch. Students learn to: compare and refine multiple algorithms for the same task, create programs that use variables, sequences, events, loops and conditionals, decompose the steps needed to solve a problem, use an iterative process to develop programs, test and debug errors to create a viewer’s choice storyboard. |
All Ann Arbor Public Schools elementary buildings |
4th Grade PLTW Input/Output: Computer Systems |
Enhancing programming knowledge with Tynker - a visual, block-based programming environment. Students can also flip to see a text-based version of their code in Swift (optional). Students learn: computer anatomy, inputs and outputs, to compare and refine multiple algorithms for the same task, create programs that use variables, sequences, events, loops and conditionals, decompose the steps needed to solve a problem, use an iterative process to develop programs, test and debug errors, describe choices made during programming development to create a reaction test. |
All Ann Arbor Public Schools elementary buildings |
5th Grade PLTW Robotics and Automation: Challenge |
Creating autonomous programs for VEX IQ robots with VEX IQ Blocks programming app. Students learn to: compare and refine multiple algorithms for the same task, create programs that use variables, sequences, events, loops and conditionals, decompose the steps needed to solve a problem, use an iterative process to develop programs, test and debug errors, describe choices made during programming development, and take on varying roles while collaboration with peers during the design, implementation, testing and review stages of program development. Students collaboratively program a robot to autonomously deliver blocks. |
All Ann Arbor Public Schools elementary buildings |
Link to Michigan's K-12 Computer Science Content Standards