We teach STEM & Computer Science in DVUSD because...
students need to be capable of navigating complex & open-ended real-world problems through leveraging appropriate technologies and partnerships so they can effectively engage with and positively impact the community.
Every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science. It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any career path.
Computer Science has driven innovation in every field and is powering approaches to many of our world’s toughest challenges. Through Computer Science Education students can transition from simply being computer users into computationally literate creators and problem solvers who are proficient in the concepts and practices of Computer Science.
In Deer Valley USD we provide access to Computer Science Education to students from PreK through high school. Our goals and resources for Computer Science delivery in DVUSD schools are specified by grade:
PreK: Use of unplugged computational thinking activities each month
K-6: All students will participate in 20-30 class hours each school year, including coding activities on computers (delivered through a special area course, embedded in curriculum, centers, or MTSS outer circle time)
7-8: At least 9 weeks of Computer Science/ STEM as an exploratory course available at each campus
9-12: All campuses will offer a two-year sequence in Computer Science (Software and App Design CTE Program) and a senior internship option for students
Computer Science Progression of Learning in DVUSD
Preschool & Pre-K
Creating sequences, recognizing patterns, and identifying cause/effect relationships are all foundational computational thinking skills developed by children in DVUSD's preschool and pre-K classes.
To support our young learners with these concepts, each preschool/PreK classroom has a LEGO Coding Express kit which is used to introduce students to early coding concepts that naturally spark their curiosity, creativity, and desire to explore.
Kindergarten - 6th Grade
Code.org's Computer Science Foundations
The foundational framework of resources for the implementation of Computer Science Education in DVUSD are Code.org’s courses. The Code.org Computer Science Fundamentals curriculum includes courses designed for each grade level, K-5. The Computer Science Fundamentals curriculum also includes an “Express Course” which is great for students in 6th-8th grades along with units in the Computer Science Discoveries course.
DVUSD teachers developed brief Computer Science mini-lessons for teaching students in K-5 the skills addressed by Arizona's Computer Science standards that extend beyond the scope of Code.org's curriculum (which mostly align with the Algorithms and Programming standards).
CS Mini-Lessons for Grades K-2: Computing Systems | Troubleshooting | Passwords | Storage | Data Collection | Inference & Models | Impacts on Culture | Social Interactions
CS Mini-Lessons for Grades 3-5: Computing Systems - Devices | Computing Systems - Hardware/Software | Computing Systems - Troubleshooting | Networks & The Internet | Cybersecurity | Storage | Data Collection | Inference and Models | Impact on Culture | Improving Technology | Social Interactions | Permissions & Copyright
Physical Computing Resources
The use of hands-on computing resources allows for the concepts to play out beyond the screen as students see their code come to life. Through a process of piloting resources and convening a team to dig deep into the evaluation of options, DVUSD has identified a hands-on computing resource for introduction at each grade level.
Kindergarten: Indi (Sphero)
1st Grade: VEX123 (VEX Robotics)
2nd Grade: Dash (Wonder Workshop)
3rd Grade: Spike Essential (LEGO)
4th Grade: Bolt (Sphero)
5th Grade: Micro:Bit (BBC)
6th Grade: Hummingbird Robotics (BirdBrain)
Middle School [7th-8th Grades]
Schools serving students in grades 7th & 8th can offer Computer Science & STEM Exploratory course. These courses can be delivered for a single quarter, two quarters, or a full-school year.
In the middle school Computer Science course, students learn concepts including coding, fundamentals of hardware, basics of cybersecurity, and exploring the impacts of technology developments on life. Through the use of digital and physical computing resources like the micro:bit and Sphero RVR, students apply their skills to real-world applications.
STEM exploratory courses integrate computer science alongside application of the engineering design process. Each campus offering STEM has VEX IQ robotics kits for STEM lab units.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) provides students with opportunities to apply the design processes of invention and innovation. Students experience ways in which technological knowledge and processes contribute to effective designs, abilities, and skills. Brainstorming, visualizing, modeling, constructing, testing, and refining designs provide firsthand opportunities for students to understand the uses and impacts of innovations. Students apply problem-solving, collaboration, research, exploration, inquiry, evaluation, and engineering design to address real-world problems.
High School [9th-12th Grades]
Students in DVUSD can continue their journey with computer science at each high school in our district through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program Software & App Design.
Additional CTE programs in STEM fields are also available at select sites:
Building on over a decade of success with the Hour of Code, DVUSD is continuing with the newest iteration - the Hour of AI - designed to help students and educators everywhere take a step into understanding and creating with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Hour of AI is created in response to the growing call to expand foundational AI literacy alongside computer science. During the Hour of AI, students participate in activities that challenge them to apply problem-solving skills. Through hands-on, easy-to-follow activities, millions of students around the world (and throughout DVUSD) explore AI applications and imagine what’s possible when they harness it for good.
When is Hour of AI?
Hour of AI/Code takes place during Computer Science Education Week, which is held annually in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (December 9, 1906). Campuses can pick a day during Computer Science Education Week to conduct Hour of AI activities.
Who Leads Hour of AI?
Anyone can implement Hour of AI/Code activities using the computer-based or unplugged tutorials. Check out sample activities at the Hour of AI site.
To support implementation in DVUSD schools, we partner with USAA volunteers who lead Hour of AI activities in several of our elementary classrooms, alongside CTE student Ambassadors from our high school Software & App Design program going to middle school campuses. At the partnering schools, volunteers share an introduction about themselves and how their work is influenced by technology, show a video about Computer Science/AI, and facilitate student participation in select activities from the Hour of AI/Code site. Additional campuses host their own special events to celebrate the Hour of AI.
Hour of Code 2023 | Fox10 News @ Sonoran Foothills
Several organizations in the community provide opportunities to explore STEM beyond the school day. The details on this page are for informational purposes only and are NOT endorsements of any organization or program. The choice to engage in any activities on this page is the full responsibility of the participant (and parent/guardian).
The SciTech Institute’s Community Events Calendar is the #1 resource for learning about and registering for STEM events & camps across Arizona. With new events added regularly.
The Deer Valley Community Education Department is committed to providing opportunities for local citizens and different vendor organizations to become active partners in delivering high-quality educational, cultural, and recreational enrichment to our community beyond the school bells. Programs and activities are planned to serve the needs of all age groups, from preschoolers to adults.
When school is out, camp is in at Engineering for Kids of Phoenix Metro! Kids are naturally curious about how things work, and our programs give them an outlet to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in a hands-on way.
GCU is a champion for STEM and hosts events for students to learn more about possibilities with technology, including the GenCyber camp for High School students.
STEM camps strike the perfect balance between skill development and summer fun, allowing kids and teens to experience a week at one of the most innovative universities in the country.
TGen’s mission in science education and community outreach is to educate, train, and inspire the next generation of researchers and physicians and to increase the community’s working knowledge of genomics.
Be a part of a select group of students to engage in hands-on, interactive career camps this summer. Students in grades 6th-8th can explore future careers with industry-standard equipment and labs.
