Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Introducing Students To Computer Science: Using Python To Build A Basic Quiz Game, Alex Diosdado

Computer Science and Software Engineering

This outreach program activity was designed to increase interest in the field of Computer Science within students in middle and high school. It focuses on some of the basic concepts of programming, like Strings, Integers and printing to the screen as it was designed to be an introduction for those students who had little to no previous programming history. This activity was tested with a smaller group of high school Algebra 1 students, most of whom did not have any prior programming knowledge. It ultimately fulfilled its goal as a survey that was conducted at the end of the activity …

Introduction To Construction Tools And Equipment Course Concept, Jason Kenneth Wahlund

Construction Management

The current Cal Poly Construction Management curriculum covers nearly all areas of the construction industry with a wide range of materials along with how, where and why they are used. However, no class is specifically geared towards educating students to learn about the tools and equipment that are required to complete most of the jobs in these industries. By offering a technical elective course that allows students to not only visualize but recognize what tools and pieces of equipment are most effective and acceptable for various applications, we can enable students to further understand issues of constructability and safety on …

Fishing For Answers: Barriers To Secondary Agricultural English Course Adoption, Sydney Arlene Keen

Agricultural Education and Communication

Wamba (2012) said, “...literacy education plays an important role in moving people out of poverty toward greater self-sufficiency post-graduation” (p. 109). Nearly 47% of first-time California community college students are enrolled in remedial English coursework (Student Success, 2015). Further, California high school dropout rates are at 11% due to “school-related reasons…implying a lack of engagement and lack of perceived relevance” in curriculum (Gottfried & Plasman, 2017, p. 30). Literacy in our high school classrooms must be addressed.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) coursework has been linked to lower dropout rates; particularly in grades 11 and 12 (Gottfried & Plasman, 2017). …

California Middle School Agriculture Program Enhancement, Claire L. Schauer

Agricultural Education and Communication

California is known for its progressive movements and highly regarded education system. California education is faced every day with how to improve and innovate its system even more. Hence, the importance of proposed middle school agricultural programs. In this piece, the author provides research to show why California not only needs to adopt middle school agricultural programs, but also develop standardized curriculum to encourage the success of the program, students, and teachers. Using past and current studies, the author explores different emphases on curriculum topics and needs. The author discusses methods, results, and conclusions from the studies analyzed.

Promoting Computer Science With Video Games: Teaching Object-Oriented Programming Through Unity, Dylan Graves

Computer Engineering

In recent years, the demand for people educated in computer science has continued to grow as the possible applications of software expand. For this reason, it is important to not only offer young adults the ability to learn computer science, but also to intrigue them with interesting and engaging applications of computer science. Organizations, such as the CollegeBoard and Exploring Computer Science, have been working to make computer science education more available and desirable to younger audiences. This project contributes to these goals by creating and implementing a curriculum for teaching object-oriented programming to high school students through video game …

Water Filtration Lesson Plan For Ag In Motion, Kelly C. Dawkins

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project was to create a new lesson plan for the Ag in Motion program. The Ag in Motion program brings science activities to middle schools that may not have the resources to provide hands-on laboratory activities. The organization suggested developing an activity regarding water and its properties. A water filtration activity was developed by working with the Director of Ag in Motion and conducting research regarding hands-on learning. The lesson plan was designed to meet Next Generation Science Standards and show students the importance of clean water supplies. This lesson plan includes a materials and procedure …

Livestock Exhibitor Quality Assurance Curriculum, Amy Crockett, Regan Steele

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project was to create an up-to-date curriculum for livestock quality assurance for county fairs throughout the United States to utilize if they desire to do so. The project included creating a PowerPoint presentation, a take home handout that summarizes the PowerPoint, an assessment based on the PowerPoint, and a website to make the material accessible to the public free of charge. A vital part of the project was to present the materials via a workshop at the Western Fairs Association conference. The curriculum created was designed for first-time showman or younger exhibitors with the hope to …

Australian Geography Unit, Daniel Scarbrough

Social Sciences

These lesson plans are designed for American students to learn about Australian Geography in a exciting and fun way. It will cover both physical and cultural geography aspects and this unit is designed for 9th grade geography and social science classes. The lesson plans consist of lecture portion and activities. This variety of teaching styles will cater to students of all learning styles (audio, verbal, and kinesthetic) and be enjoyable and informative.