The Grade 5 Creative Computing  course begins by looking at how users make choices in the software apps they use. Students then learn to make a variety of sprite apps that also offer choices for the user. In the later lessons in the course, students will learn more advanced concepts, including variables and “for” loops. Students will also be introduced to AI and machine learning. In addition, students will learn about connections, URLs, IP Addresses, and DNS. By the end of the course, students will have created interactive projects and artwork to share with their friends and family. Digital citizenship lessons will include lessons on understanding the power of words, as students grow and start to communicate more online. 

The Grade 6 Creative Computing course is taken for two trimesters. The first trimester focuses on problem solving and computing, as a highly interactive and collaborative introduction to the field of computer science, and framed within the broader pursuit of solving problems. Students practice using a problem solving process to address a series of puzzles, challenges, and real-world scenarios. Next, students learn how computers input, output, store, and process information to help humans solve problems. The unit concludes with a project in which students design an application that helps solve a problem of their choosing. They continue with a second unit where students will apply design thinking to develop a solution to local problems of pollution.

The second trimester is focused on web development, where students are empowered to create and share content on their own web pages while learning HTML and CSS programming languages. They begin by thinking about the role of the web and how it can be used as a medium for creative expression. As students develop their pages and begin to see themselves as programmers, they are encouraged to think critically about the impact of sharing information online and how to be more critical consumers of content. They are also introduced to problem solving as it relates to programming while they learn valuable skills such as debugging, using resources, and teamwork. At the conclusion of the unit, students will have created a personal website they can publish and share. Digital citizenship lessons include learning about digital footprints as well as intellectual property. 

The Grade 7 Creative Computing course builds on the students coding experience as they create programmatic images, animations, interactive art, and games using the Javascript programming language. Starting off with simple, primitive shapes and building up to more sophisticated sprite-based games, students become familiar with the programming concepts and the design process computer scientists use daily. They then learn how these simpler constructs can be combined to create more complex programs. In the final project, students develop a personalized, interactive program. Digital citizenship lessons include learning how to find a digital media balance. 

The Grade 8 Creative Computing course transitions students from thinking about computer science as a tool to solve their own problems towards considering the broader social impacts of computing. Through a series of design challenges focused on product development, students are asked to consider and understand the needs of others while developing a solution to a problem. The second half of the unit consists of an iterative team project to create an app during which students have the opportunity to identify a need that they care about, prototype solutions using wireframes, and code and test their solutions with real users to get feedback and drive further iteration. Digital citizenship lessons include learning about how to make healthy digital media choices.