Uruguay 9th Grade (Tramo 6) Curriculum - Computer Science (Ciencias de la Computación)

This curriculum emphasizes programming and aims to build upon the skills developed in previous grades (Tramo 5 - 7th and 8th grades). It focuses on practical application, problem-solving, and collaborative projects. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing teachers to adapt the content and order based on student needs and emerging technologies.

I. Digital Literacy and Citizenship

• Security and Ethics: Students learn about existing regulations and organizations that protect digital rights, including data privacy laws and the Unidad Reguladora y de Control de Datos Personales (URCDP).
• Social Impact: Students analyze the impact of technology on daily life and the environment, considering ethical aspects, biases, and the non-neutrality of digital media and content.

II. Algorithms, Programming, and Computational Problems

• Programming Languages: Students use textual programming languages to develop video games and applications.
• Problem-Solving Strategies: The curriculum emphasizes documentation, iterative and incremental processes, solution reuse, systematic testing and debugging, presentation, collaborative development, version control, and permissions.
• Integrated Solutions: Students seek comprehensive solutions that incorporate programming, technological devices, and other current and emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.
• Artificial Intelligence: Students learn to use and build machine learning modules within programming projects. PoseBlocks is suggested as a programming tool.
• Web Development: Basic HTML and CSS are introduced.

III. Information Processing

• Data Handling: Students learn about data collection, storage, processing, and visualization, applying these skills to projects.

IV. Device Architecture, Networks, and the Internet

• Wireless Networks: Students learn about different types of devices used in wireless networks, their uses, and configuration.
• Internet of Things (IoT): The curriculum covers technological devices, software, interaction, and implementation related to IoT.

V. Cross-Curricular Resources

• ICT Use and Digital Content Creation: Standards for information presentation, licensing, and copyright are incorporated into student productions. Software tools are integrated as needed for projects and are not treated as standalone subjects.

VI. Assessment

Assessment is continuous and contextualized, focusing on students' learning trajectories. Suggested assessment methods include:

• Reports, technical papers, work folders, digital logs, and portfolios.
• Multimedia records of group reflections.
• Collaborative evaluations.
• Cognitive organization designs (e.g., open-ended questions, visual content organization).
• Evaluation rubrics.

VII. Methodological Orientations

Active learning methodologies are recommended, including workshops, case studies, problem-based learning (PBL), project-based learning (ABP), STEAM methodology, and cooperative learning. The curriculum emphasizes practical, contextualized, collaborative, and student-centered work. Teachers have flexibility in choosing programming languages, with JavaScript, Python, and Java suggested. The rationale for each language is provided in the curriculum document. A comprehensive bibliography and web resources for both teachers and students are also included.