7th+-+The+Imagination+Tool

This course is divided into two parts. The first half is taught by Owen Mathews and the second half is taught by Lance Oubs.

=Part 1=

The first half of the course focuses on introductory computer science concepts, including computer languages, programming and algorithmic thinking. Three different languages—Logo, HTML and Scratch—are used in the context of creative expression.

Course Units

 * 1) Graphics and procedural programming with Logo
 * 2) Website design and declarative programming with HTML
 * 3) Game design and event-driven programming with Scratch

Benchmark Skills
Students should be able to:
 * confidently control a turtle graphics environment using Logo commands.
 * identify when and how code can be reused.
 * apply the concept of procedural abstraction when solving a complex problem.
 * design a basic website, including a plan for how the pages interrelate.
 * code a website using basic HTML and CSS.

Resources

 * MicroWorlds EX
 * w3schools.com
 * Scratch

Assessment
Assessment of students takes place weekly, based on regular journal entries.

Each weekly journal entry will be assessed on three scales. This indicates how the student used his or her class time during the week. Good evidence is detailed, with specific examples, and it should show the progress that was made during the week. This is the student's reflection about the past week in class. Good reflection is honest, questioning and probing. It thinks about why and how, not just who and what. This is the style of writing. Good communication is easy and clear to read, and presents a coherent narrative to the reader.
 * Evidence**
 * Self-analysis**
 * Communication**

=Part 2=

The second half of the 7th grade computing course is designed to introduce students to the creation of digital art, graphics and animation. Projects introduce students to the concept of pixels, digital drawing and painting programs and their inherent differences, the creation of 2D digital images and, in the culminating project, the animation of created content using Flash.

**Students will:**
 * develop skills in structured thinking and creative problem solving.
 * learn various tools and approaches to solving problems, and determine the most appropriate tool for the challenge at hand.
 * develop a greater a ppreciation for the increasing impact of computers and computer science on our global society.


 * Essential Questions:**
 * What are pixels and what does "pixelation" mean?
 * How are drawing programs inherently different from painting programs?
 * What considerations must be taken into account when looking at creating a three dimensional drawing?
 * What is keyframe animation?


 * Course Units:**
 * Digital drawing
 * Three dimensional digital drawing
 * Digital painting
 * Keyframe animation


 * Benchmark skills:**
 * Students will demonstrate their ability to create object-based artwork.
 * Students will become familiar with working in a three dimensional digital environment - understanding the concepts of space and depth.
 * Students will learn the similarities between "brush and canvas" painting and digital painting.
 * Students will learn to animate digitally created content using basic keyframe animation techniques.


 * Resources:**
 * Word
 * AppleWorks Draw
 * AppleWorks Paint
 * Google SketchUp
 * Flash


 * Assessments:**
 * Students are assigned hands-on projects to assess their understanding of the mechanics of the application being studied.
 * Students are also evaluated on effort, creativity and time management.