Middle School

Our current middle school curriculum focuses on a broad introduction to computer science topics. CS Discoveries, our newest course (to be released in Summer 2017), will be a year-long or semester computer science course designed for grades 7-9. In addition, the CS Fundamentals Accelerated course may be used at all grade levels. Our curriculum is available at no cost for anyone, anywhere to teach. You can read more about our curriculum values here.

Computer Science Discoveries

A semester or year-long introductory course designed for grades 7-9

Computer Science Discoveries is a full-year introductory computer science survey course (can be implemented as two standalone semesters) targeted at upper middle school and lower high school (grades 7-9). The course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as programming, physical computing, HTML/CSS, and data. Students are empowered to create authentic artifacts and engage with CS as a medium for creativity, communication, problem solving, and fun. This course will be piloted in Spring 2017, and will be rolling out Summer 2017.

Units of Study

  • Unit 1: Problem Solving
  • Unit 2: Web Development
  • Unit 3: Animations and Games
  • Unit 4: The Design Process
  • Unit 5: Data and Society
  • Unit 6: Physical Computing

  

Computer Science Fundamentals - Accelerated

A 20-hour course designed for grades 6-12

For a lighterweight option that can be integrated as a unit in an existing technology or programming class, or as a middle school after-school program, Code.org offers the the 20-hour Accelerated course. The 20-hour Accelerated course covers the core concepts from the first four courses of the Computer Science Fundamentals progression for elementary school students, but at an accelerated pace designed for students ages 10-18.

Computer Science in Science

Code.org has partnered with the award-winning Project GUTS (Growing Up Thinking Scientifically) to deliver a middle school science program consisting of four instructional modules and professional development for the introduction of computer science concepts into science classrooms within the context of modeling and simulation. The goal of the program is to situate computer science practices and concepts within the context of life, physical, and earth sciences, and to prepare students to pursue formal, year-long courses in computer science during high school. CS in Science is based on a crosswalk identifying areas of overlap between the NGSS and Computer Science Teachers Association K-12 Computer Science Standards.

Note: Starting in the 2017-2018 school year, Code.org will not be offering professional development for this course.

For Algebra Classrooms

Code.org has partnered with Bootstrap to adapt their algebra aligned curriculum to a block based course which teaches algebraic and geometric concepts through computer programming. The lessons focus on concepts like order of operations, the Cartesian plane, function composition and definition, and solving word problems - all within the context of video game design. Computer Science in Algebra Course A is a ~10 hour, block based course available from Code.org. Or visit Bootstrap to explore their longer Bootstrap:1 and Bootstrap:2 courses which teach more mathematical and programming concepts. By shifting classwork from abstract pencil-and-paper problems to a series of relevant programming problems, these courses demonstrate how algebra applies in the real world, using an exciting, hands-on approach to create something cool.

Other Resources

3rd Party resources for middle school CS

Organization Curriculum Professional Development
Bootstrap Teach algebra through video-game programming, with a 20-hr module to go alongside or inside a math class 3-day workshops for schools and districts. Fees range
CodeHS 6th-12th grade CS pathway. Intro CS JavaScript, Intro CS Python, Computing Ideas, Web Design and more, FREE. Pro plans for schools start at $2500. Online PD for Teaching Intro CS, Teaching AP Java, and Teaching AP CS Principles, 30-40 hour course, $1500/teacher
Codesters 5-lesson intro and project platform, FREE, 2 40-hr Intro to Python courses and 20-hr Intro to Game Design course, $20/student or a la carte pricing Half day, 1-day, and 3-day workshops available, $500-$2,000 per teacher depending on length and location.
Globaloria 6 game design courses, $75/student 3-day, in-person training and ongoing online PD, fee included in student price
Project Lead The Way 2 intro courses, $750/school Online, in-person PD at 60 universities, average $1200/teacher
Pythonroom 40-hour Learn Python course, FREE Online or in-person, $2000/school for all teachers at site
Scalable Game Design Introduction to Game Design, Advanced Game Design (3D), and Introduction to Simulation Design, FREE In-person summer institute, FREE to schools participating in NSF research. Otherwise, $1900/teacher and travel not included
ScratchEd 6-unit course, FREE In-person educator meet-ups and online MOOC, FREE
Tynker Free tools, tutorials, and a 6-hr introductory lesson plan. 200+ lessons with assessments: $399/class, $2,000/school 2-day PD, $2000/day + travel
UC Davis C-STEM Multiple academic year-long courses on computing in math, programming, robotics, and film production. Annual subscription/$800. Software $300/computer lab. Free PDF files. $150/day for training held at UC Davis campus. Costs vary for on-site training


Overview of all Code.org courses

Code.org is building a full K-12 curriculum pathway on our Code Studio learning platform. Learn more about the courses that are still in development as well as our other courses already being taught in thousands of classrooms.

Inspire students

We have created videos, posters, and other resources you can use any course to explain key concepts of computer science and inspire your students.

  

Find a guest speaker for your classroom

Thousands of engineers and individuals passionate about computer science have signed up to volunteer as a mentor or a guest speaker. You can use our map of volunteers to contact local volunteers to visit your classroom, or search in any city to find computer science students or technical professionals who are ready to inspire your students remotely, via video chat.