Computer Science

Computer Science is the study of how things are computed, optimized, and formalized into a process that a digital device can take to task. The skills developed through computer science lessons include problem solving, logic, problem definition, and constraint identification; these are necessary and relevant skills for all 21st century learners. Activities in grades K5-3 provide a foundation for further exploration and study in the upper grades.

At the Episcopal Day School grades 5K-6th attend Computer class and each student is assigned to his/her own individual personal chromebook.. The computer course aims to build on students’ digitally native status. During this time students study/utilize computers and related technology as is grade appropriate. They will interact with Microsoft Office programs as well as software suites: the Internet and hardware to assist them in achieving computer knowledge and complete assigned tasks.

In grades 5K-3 students will practice varying concepts from proper keyboarding skills to utilizing Microsoft Word.   Along with the basic learning of the PC and its parts students will also explore the software side of computers further by using the Internet websites such as starfall.com. This is a base program which helps children read with phonics and has interactive educational games as well.

In addition to the further studying of the Computer basics and software they begin hands-on learning on how the computer works, through the proper use of the Internet, its rules and the responsibilities that come with it.

In grades 4-6 students are encouraged to develop a keyboarding speed of at least 25 words per minute with a 90% accuracy, which correlates to the requirements of most middle schools (private and public). Also, since technology is thoroughly infused through their curriculum, this class offers the opportunity to provide support for several academic projects across the grade level.  They will participate in enlightening projects, and exploring technological skills that will support them for years to come. A small sample of these projects includes experimenting with Scratch (basic programming), design engineering software, gaining a working knowledge of Excel and spreadsheets, creating a PowerPoint presentation, and utilizing the entire Google Suite to develop several academic products.