Pacing Guide: 12 Week Middle School Code Studio Elective

So many ideas, so little time! Here is my pacing guide for my Code Studio 12 week long elective. CS Discoveries is meant to be a year long course but I have had to modify because I have 13 weeks with three different groups of students.

In previous years, I have done Google's CS-First, Code.org CS Intro. Course, engineering challenges, and Makey Makey projects. I like all of these but am happy to try out Code.org's CS Discoveries course. It is kind of funny how I had an entire year with students when I didn't have a firm curriculum, and not that I do, I only have 12 weeks. The great thing, is the kids are really engaged and will move onto their next elective while wishing they could still be coding (not tired of it at all.) Like a great book or movie you don't want to end.

I love how CS Discoveries teaches real coding and not just blocks. Students (and I) are being introduced to JavaScript. These are real skills they could continue with later in their education or on their own.

Here is my 12 week pacing guide. The truth is we won't finish Unit 3. Instead of rushing, I have chosen to see how far we get and just enjoy the journey. See my post about my Makeblock projects.

1	CS Discoveries Unit 1
2	CS Discoveries Unit 1
3	CS Discoveries Unit 1
4	CS Discoveries Unit 3- Game Lab
5	CS Discoveries Unit 3- Game Lab
6	CS Discoveries Unit 3- Game Lab
7	CS Discoveries Unit 3- Game Lab
8	CS Discoveries Unit 3- Game Lab
9	CS Discoveries Unit 3- Game Lab
10	Makeblock Challenge
11	Makeblock Challenge
12	Makeblock Challenge