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Computer Science and Computational Thinking

The Computer Science and Computational Thinking program in Lower School includes educational technology integration, robotics, and coding. We teach our students ways to understand how a computer “thinks” and how they can work with technology to solve problems. This process helps students learn to break large or complex tasks into smaller steps, be creative problem-solvers, recognize patterns, and develop logical thinking, among other benefits. Throughout their time in Lower School, students experience and explore platforms and programs such as Code.org, Scratch, Micro:bits, programmable robots for young children, and STEAM-based educational tools.

Some examples of what this looks like in action are:

  • In first grade, students begin with unplugged activities to explore the mechanism of coding and computational thinking and then transition to coding on devices. This foundational work is combined with group work or pair programming to help our youngest students learn to collaborate, follow, and execute coding directions.
  • Students in third to fifth grades use Micro:bits, a block-based coding program and visual-programming language. This work helps students to learn the basics of computational thinking such as sequencing, pattern recognition, abstraction, and logical thinking.
  • In Lower School, robotics experiences focus on creative robotics versus competition robotics, which is introduced in Middle and Upper School. Students learn about robotics as a way of creating things and solving problems. This allows for every student to see themselves reflected in their code and creations, helping to pique the interest of everyone, not just select groups.