Date Modified: September 17, 2025
Curriculum Overview
The Applied Computer Science (ACS) curriculum at Legacy Haven Academy is designed to provide students in grades 5-12 with a robust foundation in computational thinking, problem-solving, and real-world technology applications, aligning with the Arizona Department of Education (AZDoE) Computer Science Standards and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The curriculum emphasizes focus, coherence, and rigor, fostering skills essential for college and career readiness (CCR) while integrating Arizona-specific contexts, such as addressing local challenges in agribusiness, entrepreneurship, and skilled trades through technology. The ACS curriculum aims to prepare students for diverse pathways, from advanced academic pursuits to careers in Arizona’s growing tech and vocational sectors, by cultivating critical thinking, collaboration, and ethical innovation.
The ACS curriculum is structured around five core strands: Computing Systems, Networks and the Internet, Data and Analysis, Algorithms and Programming, and Impacts of Computing. These strands, inspired by the AZDoE Computer Science Standards and CCSS frameworks, ensure a progressive development of skills across grade levels. In grades 5-8, students build foundational knowledge through hands-on activities, such as modeling computing systems and exploring data representation. In grades 9-12, they advance to complex projects, like developing scalable software or analyzing cybersecurity threats, preparing them for leadership roles in technology-driven fields. The pedagogical approach emphasizes project-based learning, real-world problem-solving, and collaboration, aligning with AZDoE’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) standards and CCSS’s emphasis on conceptual understanding and procedural fluency.
Key themes include fostering inclusive computing cultures, developing abstractions, and applying computational artifacts to solve problems. Students engage in activities that encourage creativity, such as designing apps to address community needs, and ethical reasoning, such as evaluating the societal impacts of computing innovations. By integrating AZDoE’s focus on practical applications with CCSS’s rigorous standards, the ACS curriculum ensures students are equipped to navigate and contribute to Arizona’s technological and economic landscape.
Computing Systems
College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Standards:
- Analyze and model interactions between hardware, software, and data in computing systems.
- Evaluate computing devices for usability, accessibility, and real-world functionality.
- Apply systematic troubleshooting strategies to resolve hardware and software issues.
- Design computing solutions that address user needs and societal challenges.
Key Topics:
- Hardware and software interactions
- Human-computer interaction (HCI) and accessibility
- Troubleshooting strategies for system reliability
- Embedded systems in everyday objects
Progression:
- Grades 5-8: Students develop foundational skills by modeling how computing devices function as systems, exploring hardware-software interactions, and applying basic troubleshooting strategies. Activities include creating simple models of input/output systems and analyzing the positive and negative impacts of devices on humans, aligned with AZDoE standards (e.g., 5.CS.D.1, 5.CS.D.2).
Standards of Learning:- Standard 5.CS.1: Analyze and model how internal and external parts of computing devices communicate as a system (aligned to AZDoE 5.CS.D.1).
- Standard 5.CS.2: Explain how computing devices affect humans in positive and negative ways, such as privacy concerns (aligned to AZDoE 5.CS.D.2).
- Standard 6.CS.1: Compare computing device designs based on human interaction methods, like keyboards vs. touchscreens (aligned to AZDoE 6.CS.D.1).
- Standard 7.CS.1: Design a computing device or component to solve a specific problem, such as a sensor-based tool (aligned to AZDoE 7.CS.D.1).
- Standard 8.CS.1: Evaluate computing systems for accessibility, ensuring features like screen readers are effective (aligned to AZDoE 8.CS.D.1).
- Grades 9-12: Students engage in advanced projects, such as designing embedded systems for real-world applications (e.g., medical devices or vehicle monitors) and developing troubleshooting guidelines for complex systems. These activities align with AZDoE high school standards (e.g., HS.CS.D.1, HS.CS.T.1) and emphasize leadership and ethical considerations.
Standards of Learning:- Standard 9.CS.1: Explain how abstractions hide implementation details in embedded systems, like medical devices (aligned to AZDoE HS.CS.D.1).
- Standard 10.CS.1: Describe interactions between application software, system software, and hardware layers (aligned to AZDoE HS.CS.HS.1).
- Standard 11.CS.1: Develop guidelines for systematic troubleshooting to fix errors in complex systems (aligned to AZDoE HS.CS.T.1).
- Standard 12.CS.1: Lead a team to design a computing solution for a real-world problem, considering accessibility and ethics (aligned to AZDoE CTE Standards).
Networks and the Internet
College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Standards:
- Understand and model network structures and data transmission protocols.
- Analyze cybersecurity threats and implement protective measures.
- Evaluate tradeoffs between network security, usability, and efficiency.
- Design scalable and reliable network solutions for real-world applications.
Key Topics:
- Network topologies and protocols
- Cybersecurity measures and encryption
- Data transmission and routing
- Ethical implications of network security
Progression:
- Grades 5-8: Students explore network types, cybersecurity basics, and data transmission protocols through hands-on activities, such as modeling Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet or simulating simple encryption methods, aligned with AZDoE standards (e.g., 5.NI.C.1, 6.NI.C.1).
Standards of Learning:- Standard 5.NI.1: Identify solutions to protect personal information in real-world cybersecurity scenarios (aligned to AZDoE 5.NI.C.1).
- Standard 6.NI.1: Identify multiple encryption methods to secure data transmission, like Caesar ciphers (aligned to AZDoE 6.NI.C.1).
- Standard 7.NI.1: Explain how encryption protects data, such as in HTTPS (aligned to AZDoE 7.NI.C.1).
- Standard 8.NI.1: Analyze cybersecurity threats like DDoS and implement defenses like firewalls (aligned to AZDoE 8.NI.C.1).
- Grades 9-12: Students tackle advanced network challenges, such as evaluating scalability of network topologies and recommending security measures for sensitive data, aligning with AZDoE standards (e.g., HS.NI.C.1, HS.NI.NCO.1). Projects include simulating data routing or designing secure systems for Arizona businesses.
Standards of Learning:- Standard 9.NI.1: Describe how malware and attacks affect sensitive data (aligned to AZDoE HS.NI.C.1).
- Standard 10.NI.1: Recommend security measures considering efficiency, feasibility, and ethics (aligned to AZDoE HS.NI.C.2).
- Standard 11.NI.1: Evaluate network scalability and reliability through routers and topologies (aligned to AZDoE HS.NI.NCO.1).
- Standard 12.NI.1: Lead a team to design a secure network solution for a community issue, like agribusiness data tracking (aligned to AZDoE CTE Standards).
Data and Analysis
College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Standards:
- Collect, organize, and visualize data to support claims and predictions.
- Analyze data representations for efficiency and accuracy.
- Use data to test hypotheses and model real-world phenomena.
- Communicate findings through interactive visualizations.
Key Topics:
- Data collection and visualization tools
- Encoding schemes (binary, ASCII, etc.)
- Data-driven decision-making
- Statistical analysis and modeling
Progression:
- Grades 5-8: Students learn to collect, organize, and present data using tools like spreadsheets, exploring encoding schemes and cause-and-effect relationships, aligned with AZDoE standards (e.g., 5.DA.CVT.1, 6.DA.IM.1).
Standards of Learning:- Standard 5.DA.1: Select tools to collect and present data visually to highlight relationships (aligned to AZDoE 5.DA.CVT.1).
- Standard 6.DA.1: Compare computational tools like Excel for data analysis and presentation (aligned to AZDoE 6.DA.CVT.1).
- Standard 7.DA.1: Use tools to visualize and interpret data sets, like survey results (aligned to AZDoE 7.DA.CVT.1).
- Standard 8.DA.1: Create data visualizations to communicate findings, such as charts (aligned to AZDoE 8.DA.CVT.1).
- Grades 9-12: Students create interactive visualizations and use statistical methods to analyze large datasets, aligning with AZDoE standards (e.g., HS.DA.CVT.1, HS.DA.IM.1). Projects include dashboards for community issues like agricultural data analysis.
Standards of Learning:- Standard 9.DA.1: Create interactive data visualizations using tools like Tableau (aligned to AZDoE HS.DA.CVT.1).
- Standard 10.DA.1: Compare bit representations like ASCII vs. UTF-8 for efficiency (aligned to AZDoE HS.DA.S.1).
- Standard 11.DA.1: Use data analysis to test hypotheses, like correlations in datasets (aligned to AZDoE HS.DA.IM.1).
- Standard 12.DA.1: Lead a team to develop a data-driven solution for a real-world problem, like crop yield predictions (aligned to AZDoE CTE Standards).
Algorithms and Programming
College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Standards:
- Design and refine algorithms for efficiency and correctness.
- Develop programs using abstraction, modularity, and control structures.
- Collaborate on software development using version control.
- Apply programming to solve real-world problems.
Key Topics:
- Algorithm design (flowcharts, pseudocode)
- Programming with variables, loops, and conditionals
- Modular and collaborative coding practices
- Optimization and scalability in software
Progression:
- Grades 5-8: Students explore algorithm design and basic programming, creating programs with sequences and loops, aligned with AZDoE standards (e.g., 5.AP.A.1, 6.AP.A.2). Activities include block-based coding and flowchart creation.
Standards of Learning:- Standard 5.AP.1: Compare and refine algorithms for tasks, like route planning (aligned to AZDoE 5.AP.A.1).
- Standard 6.AP.1: Create programs with variables to store and modify data (aligned to AZDoE 6.AP.A.2).
- Standard 7.AP.1: Develop algorithms using flowcharts or pseudocode (aligned to AZDoE 7.AP.A.1).
- Standard 8.AP.1: Collaborate on programs using version control tools (aligned to AZDoE 8.AP.P.1).
- Grades 9-12: Students develop complex programs with modularity and optimize algorithms for scalability, aligning with AZDoE standards (e.g., HS.AP.A.1, HS.AP.P.1). Projects include building apps for community challenges, like resource tracking.
Standards of Learning:- Standard 9.AP.1: Design and evaluate algorithms for efficiency and scalability (aligned to AZDoE HS.AP.A.1).
- Standard 10.AP.1: Create programs with abstraction and modularity, like reusable functions (aligned to AZDoE HS.AP.A.2).
- Standard 11.AP.1: Use version control for collaborative software projects (aligned to AZDoE HS.AP.P.1).
- Standard 12.AP.1: Lead a team to develop a software solution for a local issue, like an agribusiness app (aligned to AZDoE CTE Standards).
Impacts of Computing
College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Standards:
- Evaluate the ethical and social implications of computing innovations.
- Analyze how computing shapes culture, economy, and global challenges.
- Create computational artifacts to address community needs.
- Foster inclusive and responsible computing practices.
Key Topics:
- Ethical issues in technology (e.g., AI bias, privacy)
- Computing’s role in economic and social change
- Data-driven decision-making and its impacts
- Inclusive computing culture
Progression:
- Grades 5-8: Students explore the societal impacts of computing, creating artifacts to address local problems, aligned with AZDoE standards (e.g., 5.IC.CP.1, 6.IC.SD.1). Activities include discussing privacy or designing simple apps.
Standards of Learning:- Standard 5.IC.1: Describe how computing products affect the world, like social media (aligned to AZDoE 5.IC.CP.1).
- Standard 6.IC.1: Explain how data informs decisions in communities, like health tracking (aligned to AZDoE 6.IC.SD.1).
- Standard 7.IC.1: Discuss ethical issues in computing, like digital divide (aligned to AZDoE 7.IC.CP.1).
- Standard 8.IC.1: Examine computing’s role in economic growth, like tech startups (aligned to AZDoE 8.IC.SD.1).
- Grades 9-12: Students analyze complex ethical issues and develop solutions for global challenges, aligning with AZDoE standards (e.g., HS.IC.CP.1, HS.IC.SD.1). Projects include researching AI ethics or advocating for equitable tech access.
Standards of Learning:- Standard 9.IC.1: Evaluate ethical implications of computing, like AI policies (aligned to AZDoE HS.IC.CP.1).
- Standard 10.IC.1: Assess computing’s role in global challenges, like climate modeling (aligned to AZDoE HS.IC.SD.1).
- Standard 11.IC.1: Create a computational artifact to address a community need, like a recycling app (aligned to AZDoE CTE Standards).
- Standard 12.IC.1: Lead a team to advocate for responsible computing innovations (aligned to AZDoE CTE Standards).
Summary of Topics Learned
- Grades 5-8: Students build foundational skills in computational thinking, including modeling computing systems, understanding network basics, visualizing data, designing algorithms, and exploring computing’s societal impacts. They engage in hands-on projects, like creating simple programs or analyzing cybersecurity scenarios, aligning with AZDoE standards and CCSS emphases on conceptual understanding and collaboration. These skills prepare students for intermediate challenges and foster creativity and ethical reasoning.
- Grades 9-12: Students achieve advanced mastery through complex projects, such as developing scalable software, designing secure networks, and creating interactive data visualizations for real-world issues like agribusiness or public health. They integrate CCSS rigor and AZDoE’s high school benchmarks, emphasizing leadership, ethical innovation, and readiness for college or careers in Arizona’s tech and vocational sectors.
Educational Impact
The ACS curriculum aligns with AZDoE Computer Science Standards and CCSS, ensuring students meet rigorous academic and career-ready benchmarks. By emphasizing practical applications, the curriculum prepares students for college, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and agricultural careers, as outlined in AZDoE’s CTE standards. Students develop independence through project-based learning, gaining skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. The curriculum supports Arizona’s economic growth by preparing students for roles in tech-driven fields like agribusiness data analysis, cybersecurity for local businesses, or software development for startups, fostering a workforce equipped to address state and global challenges.
Resources
Integrated through project-based activities and aligned with CCSS and AZDoE supporting materials, including:
- AZDoE Computer Science Implementation Guides and Crosswalks
- CCSS Appendices (e.g., sample performance tasks, glossaries)
- Online tools: Block-based coding platforms (e.g., Scratch), Python environments, Tableau for data visualization
- Hands-on materials: Raspberry Pi kits, network simulators
- Exemplars: Student-created apps, data dashboards, and troubleshooting guides
- Research: Studies on computing’s impact on Arizona’s economy and workforce
Professional Certification Resources (Supplementary for Grades 9-12)
- CompTIA Resources: For Computing Systems and Networks strands, incorporate CompTIA A+ for hardware/software fundamentals, Net+ for networking, and Security+ for cybersecurity. Free resources include academic tools for secondary education, full A+ course on YouTube (31+ hours), and Network+ full course on YouTube (23+ hours).
- ITIL Resources: For Impacts of Computing and service management aspects, use ITIL Foundation for IT service best practices. Free resources include Simplilearn’s ITIL 4 Foundation course, AXELOS sample exam papers, and guides from IT Governance.
- ISC2 Resources: For Networks and Impacts strands focusing on cybersecurity, incorporate Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) for beginners. Free resources include ISC2’s self-paced training and exam, exam outline and practice quizzes.
Assessment Methods
The evaluation system for the Applied Computer Science (ACS) curriculum monitors student mastery of Legacy Haven Academy Standards of Learning through passive, ongoing methods woven into daily inquiry-based projects and activities. Observations capture real-time problem-solving during hands-on tasks like algorithm design or network simulations, noting engagement with strands such as Computing Systems and Impacts of Computing. Portfolios compile student artifacts, including code repositories, data visualizations, and ethical reflection pieces from cross-disciplinary applications like agribusiness data analysis. Embedded checks occur naturally via quick digital tool prompts in programming environments (e.g., GitHub or Scratch feedback loops) to gauge progress on objectives like cybersecurity threat identification. Journals document iterative thinking in personal coding logs, while peer feedback sessions during collaborative projects foster review of algorithms and data analysis outputs. This approach builds holistic understanding by prioritizing skill application over rote memorization pre-formal assessments, positioning any exams as low-stakes confirmations of growth to reduce anxiety and encourage risk-taking. It supports personalized, cross-disciplinary growth—linking computing to real-world contexts like entrepreneurship—by providing educators with actionable insights from ongoing data, enabling tailored guidance in an inquiry-driven environment that emphasizes ethical innovation and computational thinking.