A Scratch Syllabus from Horace Mann School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

This syllabus was used in a sixth-grade software engineering class. The class ran year long and addressed Science/Engineering Curriculum Standards.

 

Course Description (from the syllabus): Identify and explain the steps of the software engineering design process for gaming theory and design. The design process steps are identify the problem; research the
problem; develop possible solutions; select the best possible solution(s); code prototypes and/or
models; test and evaluate; communicate the solutions; and redesign. Using Scratch, a graphical
programming language developed by MIT, students will learn basic programming concepts.
These concepts include linear breakdown of sequences; event handling such as what happens
when the ball reaches the edge of the screen; looping events (while or for x times); cause and
effect; and use of variables.

 

Goals & Science/Technology Standards Addressed:
1. Identify the need or problem
2. Research the need or problem
3. Develop possible solution(s)
   * Brainstorm possible solutions
   * Draw on mathematics and science
   * Articulate the possible solutions in two and three dimensions
   * Refine the possible solutions
4. Select the best possible solution(s)
   * Determine which solution(s) best meet(s) the original requirements
5. Construct one or more prototypes and/or models
   * Model the selected solution(s) in two and three dimensions
6. Test and evaluate the solution(s)
   * Does it work?
   * Does it meet the original design constraints?
7. Communicate the solution(s)
   * Make an engineering presentation that includes a discussion of how the solution(s) best meet(s) the needs of the initial problem, opportunity, or need
8. Redesign
   * Modify the solution(s) based on information gathered during the tests and presentation