Computer Science Education Week

Creating and Sharing Digital Games

At Timber Ridge Elementary, 5th-grade students are exploring the world of coding with our amazing STEM Specialist, Ms. Coughran!  Using Microsoft MakeCode Arcade, students are learning to design their very own video games while developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills.

Recently, Ms. Coughran partnered with Ms. Furness' class to help students create their first games – and the results were impressive! Students progressed to building a new game featuring multiple sprites — one that adds points to the score and another that removes lives, introducing game mechanics and logic in an engaging way.

This coding unit also emphasizes digital citizenship. After creating their games, students played each other’s projects and provided thoughtful compliments, fostering a supportive and respectful digital community.

Explore Student-Created Games

Check out some of the incredible games created by Ms. Furness’ 5th-grade students:

• 🎨 Carter Buch: Colors
  
  Play Carter's Game
   

• 🐝 Sage Baker: Don't Get Stung!!!!
  
  Play Sage's Game
   

• 🌸 Sophia Babar: Eat the Purple Flowers!
  
  Play Sophia's Game

What is Microsoft MakeCode Arcade?

Microsoft MakeCode Arcade is a platform that allows students to design and build retro-style 2D games while learning block-based and JavaScript coding. It promotes problem-solving, creativity, and logical thinking — essential skills in today’s digital world.

Key Learning Components in the Coding Classroom:

• Logical Thinking & Sequencing: Students learn how to plan, design, and execute game functions logically.
• Creativity & Design: Building custom characters (sprites) and game environments fosters creativity.
• Collaboration & Peer Feedback: By playing and reviewing each other’s games, students learn the value of constructive feedback and teamwork.
• Digital Citizenship: Emphasizing kindness, respect, and positive interactions in an online setting.

This hands-on experience is helping students build foundational skills in computer science while sparking their interest in technology and innovation.

Our middle school computer science programs inspire creativity, problem-solving, and engineering skills through exciting projects. Here are two outstanding examples of students putting their skills to the test:

Mr. O'Hare’s Claw Bot Competition

Students in Mr. O’Hare’s class took on a fun and challenging robotics project where they built Claw Bots to complete a “clean your room” challenge. The project required students to design and program robots to:

• Navigate a mock bedroom setup.
• Pick up specific colored blocks while leaving others behind.
• Compete in a timed challenge to see which robot could complete the task the fastest.

This engaging competition not only built students’ robotics and programming skills but also encouraged teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving. The fastest and most efficient robots were crowned winners!

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Ms. Holmes’ 3D Design and Printing Challenge

In Ms. Holmes’ class at Twin Falls Middle School, students combined CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software and 3D printing to create spinning tops. This project involved:

1. Designing a spinning top using CAD software.
2. Printing their designs using 3D printers.
3. Testing the tops in a friendly competition to see which one could spin the longest.

After the first round of designing and testing, students returned to the drawing board to enhance their designs and improve their results. This iterative process helped students develop critical design-thinking skills and an appreciation for engineering.

At Mount Si High School, students have access to a comprehensive and dynamic computer science program designed to build skills for the modern world. Through a variety of courses and extracurricular opportunities, students are learning to code, problem-solve, and innovate — preparing them for future careers in technology and beyond.

Course Offerings

• Introduction to Computer Science (Semester-long)

  • 29 students in Semester 1 | 26 students in Semester 2
    This entry-level course introduces fundamental programming concepts and basic coding skills.
     

• AP Computer Science Principles (Year-long)

  • 59 students enrolled
    This course offers a broad understanding of computer science, covering algorithms, data, the internet, and creative problem-solving.
     

• AP Computer Science A (Year-long)

  • 23 students enrolled
    Focused on Java programming, this course emphasizes problem-solving and object-oriented programming, preparing students for advanced studies and careers in computer science.
     

• Computer Video Game Design (Semester-long)

  • 16 students enrolled
    Students learn to design and develop their own video games, blending creativity with coding skills.
     

• Robotics (Year-long)

  • 25 students enrolled
    This hands-on course challenges students to design, build, and program robots while developing teamwork and engineering skills.

Clubs Supporting Computer Science

• Robotics Club
  Students design, build, and program robots to compete in regional competitions, applying skills learned in class to real-world challenges.
   

• Girls Who Code
  This club empowers female students to explore coding in a supportive environment, helping to close the gender gap in technology fields.

These courses and clubs reflect Mount Si High School’s commitment to fostering technological literacy, critical thinking, and innovation. Our students are gaining the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.