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Academics → Computer Science and Technology Education → Middle School

Computer Science and Technology Education

Middle School

Courses

Grade 6 STEM Electives

 

STEM electives in middle school are important building blocks in the preparation of all students for demands of college, careers, and the rapidly changing 21st century workforce.  STEM courses teach students to apply mathematics, science, and technical knowledge to innovate and solve problems.  MCPS is committed to providing a well-rounded education for middle school students that includes an engaging, hands-on experience with computational learning.  Middle school STEM electives teach students computational and technological literacy through coding, computer science, engineering, robotics, and other technology and design-related experiences.  This program promotes creative problem solving and an exploration of multiple STEM related fields of study and careers.

 

Grade 6 MS Coding, Engineering, and Robotics Design STEM Electives*

MP

MP

Coding and Game Development (ITC2069)
Students will learn the elements of good game design and the different game genres as well as basic video game coding concepts including racing, platform, launching, and more.  Students will apply computational thinking to their game designs.  Students will be introduced to various programming languages.

Introduction to Technology & Engineering (ENR1022)

Students are introduced to technological systems and learn and apply the Engineering Design Process to a variety of challenges. Students are introduced to Computer Aided Design using TinkerCAD.

MP

MP

Engineering Design & Modeling (ENR1023)

Students utilize the Engineering Design Process and technical skills of isometric sketching, multiview drawing, and Computer Aided Design using TinkerCAD to design solutions to engineering challenges.

Robotic Design 6 (ITC2068)

Students will apply coding and programming skills and problem-solving to make physical models respond to commands. Students will collaborate, communicate, think computationally, program, debug and create models while learning to solve open-ended, real-life problems. 

*Schools may offer 1 to 4 of these quarter long courses 

Other Grade 6 Electives

Grade 6 Technology and Design (ENR1020) (Not available after 21-22 School Year)

Information and Communication Technology Grade 6 (ITC1004) (Not available after 21-22 School Year)

Grade 7 STEM Electives

 
STEM electives in middle school are important building blocks in the preparation of all students for demands of college, careers, and the rapidly changing 21st century workforce.  STEM courses teach students to apply mathematics, science, and technical knowledge to innovate and solve problems.  MCPS is committed to providing a well-rounded education for middle school students that includes an engaging, hands-on experience with computational learning.  Middle school STEM electives teach students computational and technological literacy through coding, computer science, engineering, and other technology and design-related experiences.  This program promotes creative problem solving and an exploration of multiple STEM related fields of study and careers.


Grade 7 MS Principles of IT, Cybersecurity and Engineering Courses STEM Electives*

MP

MP

Principles of IT: Digital Systems (ITC2070)

Students will explore digital systems and devices, by investigating the key components. They begin with defining, identifying and classifying hardware and software and then investigate input and output devices, storage and processing elements.  Students will learn a variety of problem-solving strategies to apply to problems with digital systems. Students will further develop their understanding of software applications, extensions and Cloud-based programs.

Principles of IT: Cybersecurity  (ITC2071)

Students will learn how information travels across the Internet and networks

and how to protect electronic information.  Real-world cybersecurity problems are explored

along with current best practices to protect users, systems and networks.

Students will learn about a variety of careers in cybersecurity.  Course content includes the

legal and ethical issues involved with computer technology use.

MP

MP

Innovation and Engineering Design (ENR 1025)

Students learn the importance of invention and innovation in technological development and apply engineering-thinking skills and technical skills to complete each step of the engineering design process to creatively address a real world challenge. Students learn or extend technical drawing and Computer Aided Design skills. This course is accessible for students who have not taken the Grade 6 Engineering courses.

Applied Engineering Design (ENR1024)

Students learn how societal factors affect technological development and apply the engineering design process, engineering-thinking skills, and technical skills including Computer Aided Design to design engineering solutions to real-world challenges.

*Schools may offer 1 to 4 of these quarter long courses

Other Grade 7 Electives

Computer Science Discoveries (ITC1000/ITC1001)

Grade 7 Invention and Engineering (ENR1017) (Not available after 21-22 School Year)

Computer Applications with Analysis (ITC1002)

Data Science is one of the fastest growing professions with data analytics needed by every industry,  In this course, students will engage in a fun and interactive data science project. Students will use word processing, spreadsheet presentation, programming, and research skills to complete the data project. Course outcomes are based on national and state technology standards, such as the Maryland Computer Science Standards, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards. 

Grade 8 STEM Electives

 
STEM electives in middle school are important building blocks in the preparation of all students for demands of college, careers, and the rapidly changing 21st century workforce.  STEM courses teach students to apply mathematics, science, and technical knowledge to innovate and solve problems.  MCPS is committed to providing a well-rounded education for middle school students that includes an engaging, hands-on experience with computational learning.  Middle school STEM electives teach students computational and technological literacy through coding, computer science, engineering, robotics, and other technology and design-related experiences.  This program promotes creative problem solving and an exploration of multiple STEM related fields of study and careers.

In grade 8, students have the opportunity to take a high school technology education credit bearing course.  In these courses, MCPS utilized external curriculum from national organizations such as Code.org and Project Lead the Way to include study of coding, robotics and engineering design processes.


Foundations of Computer Science TE A/B (TEC2002 A/B)* #

HS credit

Introduction to Engineering Design A/B (TEC2017 A/B)* #
HS Credit, Corequisite: Algebra 1 or Higher 

Computer Science Discoveries (ITC1000/ITC1001)

Global Technology Systems (ENR1021)

Website Development A/B (ITC2025 A/B)*

HS credit

*Restricted to schools where currently offered

# This course satisfies the one credit Technology Education requirement for High School Graduation.