Elementary & Middle Grade Curriculum
Cyber Arcade: Programming and Making with micro:bit is a fun and creative introduction to computer science and hands-on making for makers in elementary (ages 9–12) and middle (ages 12–14) grade levels with little to no experience in programming and 3D design.
Using a Micro:bit (a pocket-sized computer) and MakeCode (free online coding software), young makers practice problem-solving and teamwork to create interactive arcade games. In each session, makers have opportunities to develop knowledge in computer science, engineering, art, and game design, as well as gain exposure to real-world industry concepts and vocabulary.
Below, you can access:
- A curriculum guide offering facilitation and troubleshooting tips designed to encourage makers to use available resources to work through challenges with their peers (as opposed to viewing the teacher as the expert).
- The elementary curriculum, available as one document or by individual week/unit.
- The middle school curriculum, an abbreviated version of the elementary curriculum, available as one document or by individual week/unit.
This curriculum was designed to be used in a longer term learning environment, both in school and out of school (approx. 20-25 makers), since sessions intentionally synthesize skills learned in previous sessions that results in a culminating project where learners build complex and fun cyber arcade games! However, as each community and learning space is different, lessons are also designed to be modular. The unit structure is intended to be a guide to the lessons and you can adapt and adjust pacing as needed to best suit the needs of your learners.
Each lesson includes:
- an introduction and overview
- essential questions for your learners to tackle
- learning outcomes
- key vocabulary
- a list of materials
- educator prep work
- facilitation tips
- additional resources
- step-by-step instruction
- troubleshooting support
Click thumbnails to download!
Elementary Curriculum
View the accompanying instructional slideshow for the Elementary School curriculum.
Middle School Curriculum
View the accompanying instructional slideshow for the Middle School curriculum.
This curriculum was developed in partnership with afterschool site coordinators in Oakland Unified School District’s Expanded Learning Department through an ASES Kids Code grant and in collaboration with Sarah Chung (content), Goli Mohammadi (editorial), and Kim Dow (design).