Overview Of Courses
Table of Contents
Wize Computing Academy Computer Science Pathway 5
Design & Coding with Minecraft for Education 6
Module 1: Understanding Minecraft and Basics of Coding 6
Module 2: Creating Mods in Minecraft 6
Module 3: Real-time Coding and Immediate Implementation 6
Module 4: Exploration of Minecraft: Education Edition 7
Module 5: Project-Based Learning on Computer Science & Art/Design Concepts 7
3D Design and Printing Program for Young Innovators 8
Introduction to Engineering (Ages 4-8): 9
Robotics and Coding Basics (Ages 8-11): 10
Advanced Robotics Engineering (Ages 11-15): 10
Engineering Concepts Covered: 10
Hummingbird Kit & micro:bit: 12
Coding and Designing in Augmented and Virtual Reality 12
Benefits of VR for students 13
Example Creations by Students 15
Game Design and Development in Roblox 16
Example Creations by Students 18
Programming Adventures using MIT Scratch 18
Create Stories and Animations with ScratchJr 20
Interactive Programming in Python 22
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Wize Academy follows a project-based approach to teaching design, robotics, and coding. Our curriculum pathway is carefully designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience that covers both breadth and depth across various computer science topics.
The projects are tailored to the age and skill level of the learners, ensuring a clear path for growth and helping students achieve their true potential. By engaging in hands-on projects, students not only learn coding and technical skills but also develop valuable 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity.
Wize Academy�s curriculum pathway aims to strike a balance between covering a wide range of computer science concepts while also allowing learners to delve deeper into specific areas of interest. This approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education while also having the opportunity to specialize in their areas of passion.
Overall, our project-based approach, combined with a structured curriculum pathway, creates an engaging and effective learning environment that equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of computer science.
Wize Computing Academy offers a comprehensive Computer Science Pathway designed to provide learners with a well-rounded education in coding, design, and robotics. This pathway is structured into four distinct levels: Introductory, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
The Introductory level serves as a gentle introduction, allowing young learners to explore the fundamentals of computational thinking and problem-solving through engaging, age-appropriate activities and projects.
As students progress to the Beginner level, they delve deeper into the world of coding, design, and robotics, building upon the foundational concepts acquired in the previous stage. This level aims to foster creativity, logical thinking, and practical skills through hands-on projects tailored to their growing abilities.
The Intermediate level challenges learners to further refine their skills and knowledge, tackling more complex concepts and projects. Students at this level are encouraged to think critically, collaborate effectively, and develop a deeper understanding of computer science principles and their real-world applications.
Finally, the Advanced level is designed for those who have demonstrated a strong aptitude and passion for coding, design, and robotics. At this level, students engage in advanced projects that push the boundaries of their abilities, preparing them for future academic or professional pursuits in the field of computer science.
Throughout the Computer Science Pathway, Wize Computing Academy emphasizes a project-based approach, ensuring that learners actively apply their knowledge and skills to create tangible outcomes. The curriculum is carefully crafted to cover a wide range of computer science topics, imparting valuable 21st-century skills that will serve students well in their future endeavors.
Introduction
Welcome and Introduction to Minecraft: Education Edition.
Highlight the immersive learning environment that Minecraft offers.
Emphasis on the combination of fun and educational benefits.
Module 1: Understanding Minecraft and Basics of Coding
Introduction to Minecraft�s sandbox and limitless world.
Overview of visual block coding for beginners.
Hands-on experience with drag-and-drop coding using pre-written code blocks.
Module 2: Creating Mods in Minecraft
Explanation of how coding skills can be applied to modify the Minecraft environment.
Hands-on activities where students program their own mods.
Emphasis on the transition from playing Minecraft to actively programming it.
Comparison with other games; showcasing the advantage of real-time coding in Minecraft.
Hands-on practice with immediate results visible in the game.
Exploration of the Minecraft: Education Edition interface for coding and gameplay.
Module 4: Exploration of Minecraft: Education Edition
In-depth exploration of the features and capabilities of Minecraft: Education Edition.
Emphasis on the platform�s role in promoting creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Module 5: Project-Based Learning on Computer Science & Art/Design Concepts
Overview of the project-based learning approach.
Projects covering essential computer science concepts:
Events & Event Handling
Coordinates
Variables
Iteration
Conditionals
Functions and Parameters
Arrays
Artificial Intelligence
Projects with integration of art/design concepts such as:
Patterns and Motifs
Building Architecture
Comics & Stories
This course aims to make coding engaging, interactive, and applicable within the beloved world of Minecraft, fostering a love for learning and creativity in young minds.
Introduction
Our 3D Design and Printing program empowers young minds through immersive exploration of STEAM concepts and design thinking.
Utilizes user-friendly software, allowing a seamless transition from 2D drawing to 3D design without the need for CAD or prior computer experience.
Key Features
- Take-Home Creations:
- Students bring home tangible objects they design and print, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride in their creations.
- Benefits of Design Thinking:
Develops a growth mindset, problem-solving, analytical, and spatial thinking skills.
Encourages viewing setbacks as valuable learning moments.
Cultivates self-belief as problem solvers and instills an entrepreneurial mindset.
Emphasizes the value of collaboration and feedback.
Curriculum
1. Introduction to 3D Modeling:
Explore basics of 3D modeling software like Tinkercad.
Learn navigation and control in a 3D space.
Begin with simple shapes and gradually progress to more complex designs.
2. Design Fundamentals:
Apply principles of design such as form, balance, and texture.
Create more intricate 3D models, including real-world objects like toys and household items.
Design multi-part 3D models that fit together seamlessly.
3. Preparing Models for Printing:
Learn basics of 3D printing and associated terminology.
Refine designs for a smooth transition from virtual models to physical objects.
Troubleshoot common printing issues like overhangs, bridging, and rafts.
4. 3D Printing Process:
Understand the basics of 3D printing, including slicer software usage.
Experience printing student-designed models.
Explore filament materials like PLA.
5. Collaborative Projects:
Foster teamwork through collaborative design of complex and large 3D projects.
Create and present an original 3D printed object.
6. Create 3D Models via Coding and Simulation Labs
Introduce coding as a creative tool for 3D model creation, expanding the possibilities for young innovators.
Coordinates
Variables
Iteration
Conditionals
Introduces learners to add gravity and materials to any 3D design. As soon as the hit play, objects will attempt to move based on their characteristics and the effects of gravity.
Conclusion:
Our program not only equips students with practical 3D design and printing skills but also nurtures crucial life skills through the application of design thinking.
Encourage your child to embark on this exciting journey of creativity, collaboration, and innovation!
Introduction to Engineering (Ages 4-8):
- Discover the fundamentals of engineering through hands-on projects.
- Explore principles of structural engineering, simple machines, and more.
- Foster problem-solving and teamwork skills while designing and building projects.
Robotics and Coding Basics (Ages 8-11):
- Dive into the world of robotics and coding using beginner-friendly platforms.
- Build and program robots to complete exciting challenges.
- Develop computational thinking and logical reasoning skills.
Advanced Robotics Engineering (Ages 11-15):
- Take robotics to the next level with more complex projects and coding concepts.
- Explore sensors, actuators, and advanced programming techniques.
- Engage in collaborative projects, enhancing creativity and innovation.
Curriculum Details:
- Project-based, Hands-on Learning:
- Engage in interactive and hands-on robotics activities fostering creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
- World-class Curriculum & Technology:
- Explore robotics using state-of-the-art equipment and tools, including programmable robots, sensors, and coding platforms.
- Expert Guidance:
- Experienced instructors provide expert guidance, helping students develop a solid foundation in robotics and encouraging their passion for STEAM subjects.
Competitions:
- Prepare for coding and robotics competitions, including FIRST LEGO League and VEX Robotics Competitions.
- Showcase engineering skills in a thrilling atmosphere of competition, camaraderie, and triumph.
Engineering Concepts Covered:
Motors
- Speed
- Angle
- Direction
- Start and Stop
- Movement
Light
- Turn on and off
- Pixel Brightness
- Text and drawing
- Colors
Sound
- Use existing
- Record your own
- Start and stop
- Control pitch and volume
Sensors
- Color sensor (color, light)
- Gyroscope
- Force Sensor (touch, force)
- Accelerometer
- Distance sensor
Gears
- Gearing up and down
- Using different types of gears like crown and worm gears
Pulleys
- Changing the orientation of a pulling force
- Changing direction & orientation of rotation
- Increase of decrease a pulling force
- Increase of decrease the speed of rotation
- Increase of decrease the turning force (or torque)
Coding Concepts Covered:
- Getting Started – Introduction to building & programming
- Programming the Hub
- Robot movement
- Wait Until & Sensors
- Loops
- Parallel Programming
- Event Programming
- Sound and Music
- Mathematical Operations
- External Web API Calls
Hummingbird Kit & micro:bit:
- Experience innovation with these advanced robotics toolkits, empowering students to construct robots using lights, sensors, and motors.
- Unleash creativity through block- and text-based coding languages, navigating the realms of robotics and coding.
Course Description
This course introduces students to the captivating world of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), where they will learn to create and manipulate virtual environments, develop interactive simulations, and bring their imaginations to life through coding. Students will explore the intersection of coding and spatial computing, gaining valuable skills for the future of technology and innovation.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the concepts and principles of spatial computing, AR, and VR
- Use industry-standard tools and platforms to create and code immersive experiences
- Design and program virtual environments, characters, and interactions
- Test and debug their AR/VR projects
- Showcase their creative and innovative potential through their AR/VR creations
Benefits of VR for students
- Provides a FUN environment for learning
- Allows thinking in 3 dimensions in various sizes
- Develops 21st century skills needed to adopt technological advances to ones benefit
- Leads to higher student engagement in the classroom
- Enhances collaboration and teamwork
- Increases retention of knowledge
Course Requirements
This course is suitable for students aged 8-16 years. Students will need access to a computer with a stable internet connection, a web browser, and a VR headset (optional).
Course Schedule
The sessions are divided into two parts: a theory part, where the instructor will explain the concepts and demonstrate the tools, and a practice part, where the students will work on their own or in pairs to complete the projects and challenges. Following concepts are covered in the course:
Transform
- Move
- Turn
- Scale
- Distance
- Position
Actions
- Animation
- Color
- Opacity
- Panel for Information & Quizzes
- Sound
- Text
- Video
Events
- When Item is Clicked
- When Item is Hovered
- Keyboard Controls
- When Item is Collides
Controls
- Forever Loops
- Repeat Loops
- If-Then-Else Condition
- Wait
- Parallel Programming
Functions
- Defining
- Calling
- Parameters
Operators
- Logic
- Math
Data
- Variables
- Values
- Lists
Items
- Modify
- Get
- Delete
- Adding Physics
Physics
- Push
- Spin
- Velocity
- Friction
- Gravity
Course Assessment
The course assessment will be based on the following criteria:
- Participation and engagement in the sessions
- Completion and quality of the projects and challenges
- Creativity and innovation in the AR/VR creations
- Reflection and feedback on the learning process and outcomes
The instructor will provide ongoing feedback and guidance to the students throughout the course.
Course Resources
The course resources include:
- CoSpaces Edu: a web-based platform for creating and coding AR/VR experiences
- VR Headset & Merge cube(optional)
The instructor will provide the students with the links and instructions to access and use these resources.
Example Creations by Students
- Experience an extraordinary tour of Galleria Mall in Dallas, TX in virtual reality - by a 6th-grader
- 3D Animations - Wizard of Oz
- 3Dchallenge
Course Description
This course introduces students to the exciting world of game design with Roblox, where they will learn to create and code their own 3D multiplayer games using the popular platform. Students will explore the fundamentals of game design, discover how to transform their ideas into immersive and interactive experiences, and gain valuable skills for the future of technology and innovation.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the concepts and principles of game design, such as gameplay, user interface, and feedback
- Use Roblox Studio, a powerful tool for creating and coding 3D games
- Design and program characters, avatars, environments, and interactions using the Lua programming language
- Test and debug their games, gather feedback, and iterate on their designs
- Publish their games on the Roblox marketplace and share them with the global community
Course Requirements
Students will need access to a computer with a stable internet connection, a web browser, and a Roblox account.
Course Schedule
The sessions are divided into two parts: a theory part, where the instructor will explain the concepts and demonstrate the tools, and a practice part, where the students will work on their own or in pairs to complete the projects and challenges. The course curriculum is as follows:
- Introduction to Roblox Game Development:
- Overview of Roblox platform and its game development capabilities
- Introduction to game design concepts and terminology
- Roblox Studio Fundamentals:
- Navigating Roblox Studio interface
- Understanding and utilizing the building tools and features
- Creating and manipulating game assets
- Game Design Principles:
- Developing engaging gameplay mechanics
- Exploring level design techniques for immersive experiences
- Balancing challenges and rewards
- Scripting and Coding in Lua:
- Introduction to Lua scripting language
- Writing code to create interactive gameplay elements
- Implementing game logic and behaviors
- Character Design and Animation:
- Designing and customizing player avatars and non-player characters (NPCs)
- Implementing animations and movements using the Roblox animation editor
- Game Testing and Debugging:
- Strategies for playtesting and identifying bugs
- Iterative design process for refining and improving games
- Game Publishing and Community Engagement:
- Preparing games for publishing on the Roblox platform
- Engaging with the Roblox community and gathering feedback
Course Assessment
The course assessment will be based on the following criteria:
- Participation and engagement in the sessions
- Completion and quality of the projects and challenges
- Creativity and innovation in the game design and coding
- Reflection and feedback on the learning process and outcomes
The instructor will provide ongoing feedback and guidance to the students throughout the course.
Course Resources
The course resources include:
- Roblox Studio: a web-based platform for creating and coding 3D games
- Lua: a programming language for scripting in Roblox Studio
- Roblox Account: a free account for accessing and publishing games on Roblox
The instructor will provide the students with the links and instructions to access and use these resources.
Example Creations by Students
Target Audience
Ages 5-12 years
Course Description
Scratch (scratch.mit.edu) is a wonderful tool for teaching coding in a fun way! Scratch is a programming language and an online community where children can program and share interactive media such as stories, games, and animation with people from all over the world. As children create with Scratch, they learn to think creatively, work collaboratively, and reason systematically. Scratch is designed and maintained by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab.
Key Learning Objectives
- Introduce kids to basic programming concepts in a playful way using Scratch.
- Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills through project creation.
- Foster creativity and imagination through interactive games and animations.
Coding Concepts
- Getting Started: Navigate the Scratch interface and explore core elements like stage, sprites, backdrops, and coding blocks.
- Animation Basics: Build simple animations with characters moving, changing costumes, and interacting with the environment.
- Adding Sounds and Music: Utilize the Scratch sound library to incorporate sound effects and music to enhance projects.
- Interactive Storytelling: Create short, interactive stories with characters, sounds, and animations to engage viewers.
- Coding with Loops: Explore the concept of loops for repetitive tasks in programs, making games and animations smoother.
- Building Games: Design simple games like racing or guessing games using loops to create engaging experiences.
- Conditional Statements: Master "If-Else" statements to make programs react differently based on conditions, adding complexity to games.
- User Input: Make programs respond to player interaction using keyboard controls (arrow keys, spacebar) and mouse clicks.
- Sensors: Experiment with using sensors like the keyboard and mouse to create more dynamic and responsive projects.
Project Categories
Our Scratch sessions offer a variety of project categories to unleash your inner programmer and storyteller. Here�s what you can explore in each:
1. Stories:
- Interactive Adventures: Design a choose-your-own-adventure story where users make decisions that determine the outcome.
- Animated Tales: Bring classic stories to life with Scratch! Animate characters, add sound effects, and create interactive elements to engage your audience.
- Mystery Missions: Craft a detective or spy story where players solve puzzles and gather clues using code.
2. Art:
- Digital Canvas: Create animated drawings, paintings, and abstract compositions using Scratch�s drawing tools and color palettes.
- Interactive Art: Design art projects that respond to user input, like changing colors based on mouse clicks or playing music when touched.
- Coding Mandalas: Explore symmetry and repetition by programming geometric patterns that evolve and transform.
3. Music:
- Interactive Orchestra: Create a digital symphony where users control different instruments or melodies with keyboard presses.
- Custom Soundtracks: Design soundtracks for games or animations with custom-made loops and sound effects using Scratch�s audio library.
- Visual Music: Experiment with colors and shapes that react to music and create a mesmerizing audiovisual experience.
4. Games:
- Arcade Classics: Design your own versions of classic arcade games like Pong, Pac-Man, or Space Invaders.
- Educational Games: Create engaging learning games to practice math, history, or language skills in a fun way.
- Puzzle Solvers: Challenge players with logic puzzles that require code to solve, like mazes or riddles.
5. Animation:
- Stop Motion Magic: Build a stop-motion animation sequence using Scratch to control character movements and transitions.
- Animated Characters: Design characters with unique movements and expressions, and program them to interact with each other.
- Interactive Cartoons: Create short animated cartoons with branching storylines or hidden easter eggs that viewers can discover.
Target Audience
Ages 4-7 years
Course Description
Introduce your young learners to the exciting world of creative coding with our "Create Stories and Animations with ScratchJr" course. Designed for children aged 4-7 years, this course sparks imagination, fosters problem-solving skills, and lays the foundation for future success in coding.
ScratchJr is an introductory programming language that enables young children to create their own interactive stories and games. Children snap together graphical programming blocks to make characters move, jump, dance, and sing. Children can modify characters in the paint editor, add their own voices and sounds, even insert photos of themselves – then use the programming blocks to make their characters come to life.
ScratchJr was inspired by the popular Scratch programming language (scratch.mit.edu), used by millions of young people (ages 8 and up) around the world.
Key Learning Objectives
Introduction to ScratchJr: Familiarize students with the ScratchJr interface, an age-appropriate coding platform designed for young learners.
Storytelling Concepts: Develop storytelling skills as students learn to create characters, settings, and narratives for their animations.
Basic Animation Techniques: Explore fundamental animation techniques to bring characters and stories to life through interactive, animated sequences.
Sequencing and Logical Thinking: Introduce basic coding concepts such as sequencing and logical thinking through hands-on, playful activities.
Problem-Solving Through Play: Encourage problem-solving by allowing students to experiment with different coding blocks and observe the cause-and-effect relationships in their animations.
Course Structure
The course is structured into engaging sessions, each focusing on a specific aspect of creative coding. Students will progress through the following modules:
Welcome to ScratchJr: Introduction to the ScratchJr platform, understanding the user interface, and getting comfortable with basic functionalities.
Creating Characters: Students will learn to design and customize characters for their stories, fostering creativity and personal expression.
Building Settings: Explore the process of setting the stage for animated stories by creating backgrounds and scenes using ScratchJr.
Animating Characters: Delve into the world of animation by adding movement and actions to characters, fostering a sense of cause-and-effect.
Interactive Storytelling: Learn how to create interactive elements within stories, allowing characters to respond to user inputs and creating dynamic narratives.
Why Choose This Course
- Age-Appropriate: ScratchJr is designed to make developmentally appropriate for younger children, features are carefully designed to match young children�s cognitive, personal, social, and emotional development.
- Playful Learning: Emphasizes hands-on, playful activities to make coding concepts accessible and fun.
- Creative Expression: Encourages creativity and self-expression through the creation of personalized stories and animations.
Getting Ready
ScratchJr is available as a free app for iPads, Android tablets, and Chromebooks.
Please download ScratchJr on your child�s device, see scratchjr.org for instructions.
Target Audience
Ages 10-18 years
Course Description
Python is a popular language and is widely used across multiple industries. This class is taught at Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced levels and is designed to help students with very little or no computing background.
Learn Python and use it in various use cases such as Machine Learning, Web Development, Data Sciences, etc.
Course Objectives
Understand Python expressions and statements
Students will gain proficiency in interpreting and writing Python code, mastering the syntax and structure of expressions and statements to effectively communicate instructions to the computer.
Manipulate input data effectively
Through hands-on exercises, students will learn how to manipulate input data, including reading from user input, processing data, and outputting results, enhancing their ability to solve real-world problems using Python.
Understand Python expressions and statements
Students will gain proficiency in interpreting and writing Python code, mastering the syntax and structure of expressions and statements to effectively communicate instructions to the computer.
Manipulate input data effectively
Through hands-on exercises, students will learn how to manipulate input data, including reading from user input, processing data, and outputting results, enhancing their ability to solve real-world problems using Python.
Utilize simple and compound data types
Students will become adept at working with a variety of data types in Python, including integers, floats, strings, lists, dictionaries, and tuples, enabling them to store, manipulate, and analyze data efficiently in their programs.
Explore Turtle Graphics for creative visualizations
By delving into Turtle Graphics, students will unleash their creativity, designing intricate drawings and patterns through code, fostering an understanding of computational thinking and visual problem-solving.
Implement control structures
Through the implementation of control structures such as if statements and loops, students will learn how to control the flow of their programs, making decisions and executing actions based on specified conditions.
Create and use functions
Students will learn the importance of modular programming by creating and using functions, enabling code reuse, organization, and abstraction, and harnessing the power of built-in Python functions to streamline their code.
Import and utilize library function modules
Students will expand their coding toolkit by learning how to import and utilize function modules from the Python library, tapping into a vast repository of pre-built functionality to enhance the capabilities of their programs.
Develop engaging games and programs
Through project-based learning, students will unleash their creativity by developing engaging games and programs, applying their newfound Python skills to build interactive and entertaining applications.
Understand event handling mechanisms
Students will delve into event-driven programming, mastering event handling mechanisms to respond to user interactions and external events, creating dynamic and responsive applications.
Explore object-oriented programming principles
Students will explore the principles of object-oriented programming (OOP), learning how to create and manipulate objects, encapsulate data and behavior, and leverage inheritance and polymorphism to build modular and scalable software solutions.
Apply Python in various fields
Students will discover the versatility of Python by exploring its applications in diverse fields such as Data Mining, Natural Language Processing, and Data Sciences, gaining insight into how Python can be used to tackle complex real-world challenges.
Learn about Errors and Exception Handling
Students will learn strategies for identifying and handling errors in their code, mastering the art of debugging and troubleshooting to ensure robust and error-free programs.
Use Databases for data management
Through hands-on exercises, students will learn how to integrate databases into their Python applications, mastering techniques for storing, retrieving, and manipulating data in database systems.
Explore Web Application Development
Students will embark on a journey into Web Application Development using the MTV (Model-Template-View) pattern, mastering the essentials of web development and building dynamic and interactive web applications.
Dive into Reinforcement Learning
Students will immerse themselves in the exciting world of Reinforcement Learning, leveraging Python to tune Amazon DeepRacer self-driving cars and explore the principles of machine learning in a hands-on and practical manner.
