Grade 8 Technology Applications IAS Standards

Impacts of Computing

Computing Systems and Security

Networks & the Internet

Data & Analysis

Algorithms & Programming

Illustrate knowledge of good programming practice including the use of conventional standards and comments.

Assess a program by testing to verify correct behavior.

Define algorithm and explain what algorithms are used for.

Describe the difference between traditional algorithms and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms and, at a high level, describe how AI/ML algorithms work.

Explain why/how sequence matters in an algorithm.

Interpret and modify algorithms (e.g., to add functionality)

Compare (at a high level) the trade-offs (e.g., speed, memory) of different algorithms.

Reference documentation and other online tools to assist with programming.

Interpret the function of a segment of code and convert an algorithm to code.

Formulate algorithms using programming structures to decompose a complex problem.

Identify and define data types (e.g., string, numeric, Boolean) and how it is created, stored, and used by computers.

Identify basic data formats (e.g., tables, schemas, JSON) and how computers represent data.

Understand the difference between data and metadata.

Describe how different types of data (e.g., audio, visual, spatial, environmental) can be collected computationally.

Transform and prepare (e.g., normalize, merge, clean) data visualizations, models, and simulations using data collected using computational tools such as surveys.

Analyze data using computational thinking principles to make inferences or predictions.

Evaluate approaches to cleaning data in a given context.

Assess whether and how a given question can be answered using computational methods and data, and what specific data is needed.

Demonstrate awareness of the history of computing.

Evaluate the scalability and reliability of networks, by describing the relationship between routers, switches, servers, topology, and addressing

Compare various security measures, considering tradeoffs between the usability and security of a computing system.

Explain tradeoffs when selecting and implementing cybersecurity recommendations.

Discuss the ethical and appropriate use of computer devices and examine device usability through several lenses including accessibility, ergonomics, and learnability.

Examine the impact of the Internet on society.

Examine the dynamic between privacy and security

Identify various types of hardware (including components) and software (including operating systems) and explore the security practices, functionality, cost, accessibility, and aesthetics of a variety of hardware and software.

Explain what networks (including the Internet) are and explore the fundamental principles and components of computer networking.

Explain how an operating system, other software, and hardware work together

Describe why cybersecurity is important and evaluate the social and emotional implications of privacy in the context of safety, law, and ethics.

Optimize operating systems and other software settings to achieve goals.

Use documentation and other resources to guide tasks such as installation and troubleshooting.

Explain the privacy concerns related to the collection and generation of data through implicit and explicit processes.

Discuss the laws surrounding intellectual property

Examine tradeoffs in computing technologies through current events related to broad ideas including privacy, communication, and automation (i.e., driverless cars can increase convenience and reduce accidents, but they are susceptible to hacking. The emerging industry will reduce the number of taxi and ride-share drivers but will create software engineering and cybersecurity jobs).

Examine how emerging technologies are impacting a variety of practices (e.g., use of facial recognition in policing, AI-generated news products).

Evaluate the use of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI) for accuracy and to meet specific needs.

Careers

Security and Privacy

Collaboration

Computers, Devices, and Other Technologies

Data

Programming and Development

Computer Science

Create a definition of computer science and computational thinking.

Demonstrate awareness of the history of computing.

Investigate trends in computer science and their impact on society.

Summarize ethical issues within computer science.

Students connect the process of developing a computing artifact (ex. computer application, web application, operating system, artificial intelligence) with the skills needed during the development process to have a better understanding of what it takes to build a computing artifact.

Illustrate knowledge of good programming practice including the use of conventional standards and comments.

Use the design process to iteratively develop a computing artifact.

Demonstrate competencies of programming constructs, including use of data types and variables, control structures (sequencing, looping, branching), and modularity (such as a function).

Understand how abstractions hide implementation details when used in everyday objects.

Use abstraction to manage program complexity (such as a function to create recallable code).

Formulate algorithms using programming structures to decompose a complex problem.

Assess a program by testing to verify correct behavior.

Construct a computing artifact that has a user interface.

Produce an artifact that includes rich media.

Students describe the types of data and how it is created, stored, and used by computers.

Understand how computers represent data, including: text, sound, images, and numbers.

Create data visualizations, models, and simulations.

Evaluate data to better understand the world.

Explore the relationship between information and data.

Students analyze computer devices and other technologies to build an understanding of their impact on society and how to use them appropriately.

Demonstrate understanding of the hardware and operating systems of computers.

Discuss the ethical and appropriate use of computer devices.

Explore the fundamental principles and components of computer networking.

Examine the impact of the Internet on society.

Investigate the use of artificial intelligence by individuals and society.

Investigate innovations in computing, including robotics.

Students collaborate to complete various tasks.

Design a solution to a problem by working in a team.

Explore technologies that can be used to collaborate with others of various cultures and career fields.

Utilize a problem-solving approach to develop a solution using technology.

Analyze the work of peers and provide feedback.

Program a solution to a problem using pair programming or other methods.

Examine the dynamic between privacy and security.

Explain the privacy concerns related to the collection and generation of data through implicit and explicit processes.

Evaluate the social and emotional implications of privacy in the context of safety, law, and ethics.

Give examples to illustrate how sensitive data can be affected by malware and other attacks.

Recommend security measures to address various scenarios based on factors such as efficiency, feasibility, and ethical implications.

Discuss the laws surrounding intellectual property.

Students will investigate various careers within the field of computer science.

Identify computer science occupations and the roles and responsibilities of each.

Report job outlook, demand, and projected wages for computer science careers.

Explore the job opportunities that are available in computer science.

Investigate post-secondary training opportunities and industry certifications that are available.

Students create an understanding of computer science and explore how it impacts their everyday lives.