1. Coding at the Middle School
J. Michael Lunsford Middle School

2. Background info *Pilot program at Blue Ridge MS for past two years
*Middle schools need alternative electives for students
*Interest in STEM fields
*CTE curriculum standards evolving
*Math/Algebra scores for 7th graders increasing due to program success
*The unknown????
Background info

3. The class itself: 1st semester: Scratch (block coding)
2nd semester: Agent Cubes (Conditional- Game creation)
*Considered a math elective
*No SOL/no high school credit
*Textbook- Super Scratch; binder of suggested projects for Agent Cubes

4. What do current CAMS students say?

5. Who should take CAMS? Collaborators Independent workers
Interest in STEM
Tactile Learners
Collaborators
Students who can work in teams and share responsibilities
Students will need to be able to problem solve on their own, create ideas for projects
Students should have an interest in using math applications and computer technology
Students who thrive on project based learning

6. What do I give up by taking CAMS?
Students are only allowed one elective in 7th grade: World Language, CAMS, or Communications
Parents may not request dropping of music/resource, PE, or FACS/TE in order to take both CAMS and World Language
Due to our overcrowding, schedule changes will be severely limited/unavailable
Students still have the opportunity to gather 5 credits for graduation in world language studies- AP if taking a summer course
What do I give up by taking CAMS?

7. Next steps Students complete course requests with Mrs. Simpson
ParentVUE open to make changes
CAMS capped at 4 sections of 25 each
In the event of greater interest, lottery will be conducted by the office of research for LCPS
Students not selected for CAMS will receive their alternate elective choice
Next steps

8. Questions???

9. Thank you for coming!
We want this pilot program to be successful for your students. We know the course is fluid and there are still many unknowns. JML will continue to work with other LCPS middle schools to make the class engaging, challenging, and informative.