Coding Robotics for 6-9

Middle years learners are required to begin the coding curriculum. The bullet points below identify the required coding and computational thinking content areas from the ADST Curriculum. Note the videos and examples linked beside each point as possible entry points to gain more understanding.

Required in Grades 6 and 7

simple algorithms that reflect computational thinking (video)
visual representations of problems and data (video)
evolution of programming languages (video)
visual programming (example)

Required in Grade 8

software programs as specific and sequential instructions with algorithms that can be reliably repeated by others (example)
debugging algorithms and programs by breaking problems down into a series of sub-problems (example)
binary number system (1s and 0s) to represent data (example)
programming languages, including visual programming in relation to text-based programming and programming modular components (Micro:Bit example)

Required in Grade 9

text-based coding
binary representation of various data types, including text, sound, pictures, video
drag-and-drop mobile development
programming modular components
development and collaboration in a cloud-based environment

Coding Resources

	A collection of free teaching material that teaches Computer Science through engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around. This website has unit plans, lesson plans, teaching videos, curriculum integration activities, and programming exercises to plug in the Computer Science concepts they have just learnt unplugged.
	A nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by women and underrepresented minorities. Their vision is that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science, just like biology, chemistry or algebra. Code.org provides the curriculum for K-12 computer science and also organizes the annual Hour of Code campaign which has engaged 10% of all students in the world.
	Aims to connect British Columbia teachers to a wealth of grade-level appropriate, cross-curriculum coding and computational thinking resources. You can search through resources by grade, subject matter relevance, and even expertise level.
	Wants to make sure every Canadian child is given the opportunity to learn computer programming. To do so, they help teachers and educators bring code into the classroom curriculum, into after-school programs, and into programs or Code Clubs at libraries and community centers. Check out their great resources!
	Google CS First believes anyone can code, and anyone can teach others to code. No computer science experience is needed. Instructional videos guide students through each activity, allowing teachers to work with students individually. Google CS First also uses the most popular block based coding platform Scratch.
	Code Club Canada provides projects that are easy to follow step-by-step guides, which help children learn Scratch, HTML & CSS and Python by making games, animations, and websites. There’s no need for the teacher to be a computing expert. The projects gradually introduce coding concepts to allow children to build their knowledge incrementally.

Coding Tools