Switzerland Zurich 5th Grade Curriculum - Media and Computer Science

The Zurich curriculum for Media and Computer Science in 5th grade is based on the Lehrplan 21. It focuses on developing students' understanding and responsible use of media, alongside foundational computer science concepts and practical application skills. The curriculum is divided into two main competency areas: Media and Computer Science. Application competencies are integrated within these areas and other subjects.

Media (MI.1)

• Living in a Media Society (MI.1.1): Students discuss their media experiences, identify the advantages and disadvantages of various media, understand the impact of media on actions, and recognize the role of media in culture, economy, and politics. They also learn about rules and value systems in different environments, including online etiquette.
• Understanding and Using Media and Media Contributions (MI.1.2): Students interpret various media languages (text, image, sound, film), recognize advertising and its purpose, understand the basic functions of media (information, education, entertainment, opinion-forming, communication), and learn to evaluate information from different sources.
• Producing Media and Media Contributions (MI.1.3): Students experiment creatively with media, design simple documents, use media for presentations, consider data security in their contributions, and learn about copyright when integrating external content. They also learn to assess the impact of their own media contributions.
• Communicating and Cooperating with Media (MI.1.4): Students use media to maintain contacts, collaborate, and exchange opinions while adhering to safety and behavioral rules. They also explore publishing their own ideas and soliciting feedback.

Computer Science (MI.2)

• Data Structures (MI.2.1): Students learn to categorize objects, use different data representation forms (symbols, tables, graphs), understand analog and digital data representations, and work with file and folder structures. They also explore encryption, data replication methods, and database structuring.
• Algorithms (MI.2.2): Students follow formal instructions (e.g., recipes, game instructions), find solutions to simple problems through trial and error, describe processes with loops and branches, understand basic programming concepts, and write simple programs.
• Information Systems (MI.2.3): Students handle basic computer operations (starting programs, logging in), differentiate between operating system and application software, understand different storage types and data units, apply problem-solving strategies for device and program issues, and understand data loss prevention. They also learn about search engines, data storage locations, and the risks of unencrypted data transmission.

Application Competencies: These skills, related to using information and communication technologies, are integrated throughout the curriculum and other subjects. They include handling devices and software, conducting research, and creating and presenting work.

Key Resources:

• Lehrplan 21 Medien und Informatik (Zurich):
• Lehrplan 21 Medien und Informatik (General):