Computer Science Design Principles
Computer Science learning is important for all students; all ages.
Computer Science Learning
In Computer Science (CS) Learning, students deepen their learning by using:
- Computational Thinking
- Creating with Code
- Portrait of a Graduate (POG) Attributes
Computer Science Practices
FCPS fosters an inclusive computing culture where students engage in Computer Science Practices. In PreK through grade 12, students:
- Apply computational thinking to solve problems with or without technology
- Create, test, and refine solutions using a computer
- Develop POG attributes and prepare for future careers
- Students break large problems and complex information into smaller, more manageable parts.
- Students identify relationships and connections of parts.
- Students apply decomposition to create and refine artifacts.
- Students hide less important details to support problem-solving and data visualization.
- Students generalize from patterns in the data to create and transfer solutions.
- Students apply abstractions to communicate important information, and create and refine artifacts.
- Students observe, gather, and organize data to recognize patterns.
- Students analyze, interpret, and display patterns to make predictions and draw conclusions.
- Students apply patterns in data to create and refine artifacts.
- Students develop, test, and improve sequential steps (algorithms) with and without technology.
- Students identify problems that can be solved using algorithms and automation, and justify why.
Students apply computational thinking, coding, and engineering practices to create, test, and refine artifacts that have computers run solutions.
Content Knowledge
Portrait of a Graduate Attributes
More STEAM and Computer Science Opportunities
- STEAM Opportunities for Fairfax County Youth
- Online coding resources you can try at home:
- App Lab (ages 13+)
- Code.org
- Hour of Code
- Kodable
- Microsoft: MakeCode
- Scratch Jr.
This list of coding resources is not all-inclusive.
