Computer Curriculum for Grades 6-8


Basic Objectives:
  1. General Use:
    The computer is a tool for all educational programs. Integrated units are developed in all subject areas and in each of the grade levels. Students learn to make appropriate decisions about the use of available hardware and software and what does the best job for certain activities.
  2. Computer Terminology
    Students learn the terms associated with computer hardware and software as it is developed so that they can talk about computers intelligently.
  3. Keyboarding
    Students continue working on keyboarding techniques and speed that was developed in the lower grades. Each student is expected to keyboard at a minimum speed of 20 WPM. The goal for sixth graders is 27 WPM. The goal for seventh graders is 30 WPM and the eighth grade goal is 33 WPM. The software program we use is All The Right Type.
  4. Word Processing
    Students learn to use the computer as a word processing tool to create and edit documents which are used to enhance their work in other content areas. Presently the program we use is Microsoft Office.
  5. Data Base
    Students learn to use a database to insert, retrieve and manipulate information in various content areas. Higher level thinking type questions are then used to help the students learn to interpret the data. The program we use is Microsoft Works.
  6. Spreadsheet
    Students learn to use a spreadsheet to complement and enhance content areas that require numerical calculations or graphs. The program used is Microsoft Excel.
  7. Graphic Applications
    The students learn to manipulate pictures in their work. They learn a few of the different formats and how to make the pictures enhance their work. The use of our flatbed scanner is also taught. Different software programs are also used to teach drawing and painting.
  8. Multimedia
    Students explore the concept of multimedia and how it can complement and enhance their work. Several projects are integrated into the other content areas. The programs used are Hyperstudio and PowerPoint.
  9. Research Skills
    Students learn how to use current technologies to search for and retrieve information to enhance content areas. This includes the school's automated card catalog, CD-ROMS, and Internet searching. Time is spent teaching the different search engines and their best use.
  10. Internet Use
    Students learn to use the internet as an educational tool. Web pages are evaluated and designed.
  11. Social Implications
    We help student realize the rights, rules, and responsibilities of living in a technology based society. Network and Internet guidelines are carefully laid out. Copyright issues are also covered.