Curriculum Detail

Middle School Computer Science

The St. Margaret’s community is empowered by emerging technologies without boundaries, transcending traditional approaches to teaching and learning. Using the design thinking model, we promote experiential, collaborative and creative learning in order to demystify the complexities often associated with technology. Students develop a greater capacity for computational thinking, problem solving, and expanding their competencies to synthesize and communicate ideas, which empowers them to explore and create. In addition, students engage in research and scholarship which will be applied to lifelong pursuits and participation in the global community.

The Computer Science Department seeks to impart to its students through its curriculum an enduring understanding of specific knowledge, principles, and learning dispositions such as:

  • Select appropriate technologies and critically examine sources.
  • Engage in research and problem-solving, utilizing technologies applicable to each curricular area.
  • Learn in a collaborative community that is connected to the world at large.
  • Become confident in using technologies as a lifelong tool to enhance learning processes.
  • Apply computational thinking strategies for analyzing and developing solutions to problems.
  • Purposeful integration of STEM subjects to enable cross-curricular learning for deeper understanding of subject matter.
  • Demonstrate persistence in working with complex problems.

  • Art and Technology 6

    This course is designed to provide tools and opportunities for students to explore their creative expression and perception in visual art and computer science. This enrichment class has three sections or rotations, each with a specific focus: Animation, Coding and 3D Design. This course serves as an introduction to each of the three disciplines, as well as an opportunity to explore the connections between them.

  • Creative Coding 8

    This class introduces computer programming in a fun, creative way that enables students to create games and simulations that are visual and interactive using a full-fledged programming language. Along the way, students will be introduced to the basics of programming including control structures, variables, functions, loops, arrays, and some object-oriented problem solving. Students will do all work using the Processing development environment which uses the Java programming language.

  • Digital Design and Creation 7

    This project-based class introduces students to the elements and skills that make up good design by learning about basic design principles. The projects will range from graphic design, web design, 3d modeling, and more. This multimedia approach will show students the versatility of computer science in generating artwork, as well as the applications of good design across a wide variety of media and technologies.

  • Intro to Emerging Technology 8

    This course is designed for students looking to learn about and develop brand new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Augmented and Virtual Reality. In this hands-on course, students will learn the history of these technologies, what it is capable of right now, and where the future is headed. Students will gain a basic understanding of what code and programs make these technologies function as well as the ethical decision making considerations around all emerging technologies.
  • Mr. David Lin
    US & MS Computer Science
    New York University - B.A.
  • Mr. Nathan Valdez
    MS & US Computer Science Teacher
    California State University, Fullerton - M.S.
    California State University, Northridge - B.A.

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

31641 La Novia Avenue
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 661-0108
 
Translation? ¿Traducción? 翻译?:

An Independent Preschool Through Grade 12 College-Preparatory Day School in Orange County California

Non-Discrimination Policy
St. Margaret's Episcopal School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, sexual orientation or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid, hiring and athletic policies or in other school-administered programs.