Teaching computer science is integrated throughout the curriculum at Saint Pius X Catholic School. A central component to the educational culture at Saint Pius X is building personal relationships with students through continuous interactions. All classrooms utilize technology in various ways, but not at the expense of one-to-one communication or direct instruction.
Each classroom is equipped with Smartboard technology, enhancing the way teachers teach and the way students learn. Smartboards provide students with an enriched learning experience by projecting visual elements.
Classrooms are also equipped with a sound amplification system, producing an equal level of sound throughout the classroom.
COMPUTER SCIENCE Grades K-5
Students participate in formal weekly computer skills classes, including the ethics and responsible use of technology and information. There are multiple computer curriculum skills that are taught as children spiral through the grades. Keyboarding is an essential skill that continues through all the grades. By the end of fifth grade, the goal is for students to have essential skills such as saving files to shared drive, creating folders, word processing, cut, copy and paste, spell check, the use of toolbars, and multiple other skills. These skills prepare students for projects they will be required to complete as they enter middle school and ultimately in high school.
COMPUTER SCIENCE Grades 6-8
Each student in middle school has access to a personal Chromebook and is responsible for proper upkeep, charging, and repair.
Students attend computer lab three times per week for one semester in each middle school grade, where they will continue learning and mastering essential computer skills.
The Next Generation Science Standards require students to engage in science by modeling, analyzing and designing. These standards are taught in the middle school computer lab through Project Lead the Way. Students learn to apply knowledge and skills from a variety of disciplines. Students work together in teams to investigate and are engaged in the design and solution to a real world problem. Students are then asked to model their understanding of their project and share with classmates.