PLTW Computer Science at Chisago Lakes Schools next year
Source: Chisago
Chisago Lakes School District announces the addition of Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Computer Science at both the Middle School and High School.
The projected number of job openings in 2018 for STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math) fields will reach 2.8 million. Of these, approximately 1.4 million jobs will be for computer specialists. Like many other STEM fields, the current demand and supply are mismatched, as computer science career openings outpace students' skills and interest. Also, like many other fields, computer science interest starts long before a student decides on a major or even applies to college. How do we prepare students for the amazing opportunities that require computational thinking?
The Middle School course, Introduction to Computer Science and will be taught by Mr. Schoeneck. Students will have the class for one term in 8th grade, beginning fall of 2016. Designed to be the first computer science course for students who have never programmed before, Introduction to Computer Science is an optimal starting point for the PLTW Computer Science program. Students work in teams to create apps for mobile devices. They explore the impact of computing in society and build skills in digital citizenship and cyber security. Beyond learning the fundamentals of programming, students build computational thinking skills by applying computer science to collaboration tools, modeling and simulation, and data analysis.
Students at Chisago Lakes High School can choose to take Computer Science Principles, which will be taught by Mr. Swanson. The course aims to develop computational thinking, generate excitement about career paths that utilize computing, and introduce professional tools that foster creativity and collaboration. Computer Science Principles helps students develop programming expertise and explore the workings of the Internet. Projects and problems include app development, visualization of data, cybersecurity, and simulation. Students have potential to earn college credit by obtaining a passing score by the PLTW end of course assessment and/or through the AP College Board.
The PLTW Computer Science strand in Chisago Lakes School District is an addition to the Engineering strand. Starting fall of 2016, there will be a total of eight different PLTW courses for students to take, starting in 6th grade.
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