The Academy has recently worked with the Royal Society of Edinburgh to create course materials for computer science in schools.
The materials were designed to exemplify the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland but are equally applicable to any computing curricula. There will be three sets of materials covering; Introduction to computer science, intermediate computer science and mobile app development. The mobile app development materials are the first to be available with the others coming soon. All materials are supported by teacher and learner notes.
The material is a result of a project initiated and supported by The Royal Society of Edinburgh, BCS and with a grant from Education Scotland. The project has wide support from universities and industry partners.
Scratch programming
'Starting from Scratch' introduces learners to Computing Science via MIT’s ‘Scratch’ programming environment. Since its launch, Scratch has received widespread acclaim as an ideal environment through which to introduce learners to computer programming and computational thinking. As well as lessons, exercises and sample answers, this resource contains suggested supplementary activities and inter-disciplinary learning opportunities.
Mobile app development
'I love my smartphone' is a set of course materials about developing apps for mobile devices. In addition to providing a course in programming for mobile devices, it explores new paradigms in computing such as mobile technologies and new interfaces, whilst providing ample opportunity for inter-disciplinary linkage. Exercises are provided with sample answers and there are many additional activities which can be used to both broaden and deepen the topic.
Further information
The materials can be downloaded from the Royal Society of Edinburgh website. They are also available on the BCS iTunes U channel. Read the press release.