Coding Short Course

Coding Short Course

Teacher Learning Plan Curriculum Mapping Student Devices
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This course offers an engaging introduction to coding, guiding learners through fundamental concepts and practical applications. Explore the basics of programming, create interactive games and projects using Scratch, and develop skills in problem-solving and logical thinking. Ideal for beginners, it provides a solid foundation for further coding exploration.

The NCCA guidelines give teachers significant flexibility in delivering a coding short course, allowing them to tailor it to their school's context and students' needs. The Coding Ireland short course is designed for approximately 100 hours of student engagement, which can be scheduled over 1, 2, or 3 years within the Junior Cycle. Schools may adapt the course, including the Classroom-Based Assessment, to reflect specific learning priorities.

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This module introduces the fundamental principles of programming through a series of engaging, hands-on lessons. Students will explore basic coding concepts, create interactive games and projects using Scratch and MakeCode Arcade, and experiment with Microbit technology. Designed for beginners, it fosters creativity and problem-solving skills through practical application.

Introduction to Coding
Introduction to Coding
Scratch Tutorial Quiz Challenge
Paddle Ball Game Quiz Challenge
Coding Projects with Scratch
Translate Quiz Challenge
Shark Swim Quiz Challenge
Autonomous Car Quiz Challenge
Pattern Creator Quiz Challenge
Attack of the Dots Quiz Challenge
Rocket Lander Quiz Challenge
Scratch Platformer Quiz Challenge
Game Development
First Arcade Project Quiz Challenge
Monkey Mayhem Quiz Challenge
Space Shooter Quiz Challenge
Platform Place Quiz Challenge
Arcade Build Battles
Galaxy Ghosts Quiz Challenge
Coding Projects with Microbits
Exploring Microbits Quiz
Microbit Step Counter Quiz Challenge
Reaction Timer Quiz Challenge
Microbit Fruit and Veg Piano Quiz Challenge
Designing a Microbits Weather Station Quiz Challenge
Microbit Compass and Thermometer Quiz Challenge
Microbit Pet Quiz Challenge

This module offers a comprehensive exploration of coding concepts through practical, hands-on lessons. Students will develop interactive games using MakeCode Arcade, understand internet fundamentals, learn online safety, and master HTML and CSS basics. Additionally, the module covers Microbit programming and introduces AI model creation, fostering creativity and technical skills in intermediate coders.

Game Design Essentials
Bat Battle Quiz Challenge
Monster Battle Arena Quiz Challenge
Donut Rush Quiz Challenge
Understanding the Internet
The World of the Internet Quiz Challenge
How Does the Internet Work? Quiz Challenge
Different Types of Devices Quiz Challenge
What is Personal Information? Quiz Challenge
Why We Shouldn't Share Personal Information Online Quiz Challenge
Strong vs. Weak Passwords Quiz Challenge
The Dangers of Sharing Passwords Quiz Challenge
Introduction to HTML and CSS
Introduction to HTML Quiz
HTML Basic Elements Quiz
HTML Tables Quiz
Crafting Complex Tables Quiz
HTML Lists Quiz
Basics of Form Creation Quiz
Advanced Input Types Quiz
Embedding Audio and Video Quiz
Introduction to CSS Quiz
CSS Box Model Quiz
CSS Text Quiz
CSS Fonts Quiz
CSS Website Layout Quiz
Applied Microbit Programming
Microbit Light Clapper Quiz Challenge
Microbit Sounds Quiz Challenge
Higher or Lower Game Quiz Challenge
Microbit Paddle Ball Quiz Challenge
Microbit Seismic and Meteorological Station Quiz Challenge
Microbit Radio Messages Quiz Challenge
Microbit Voting System Quiz Challenge
Discovering Artificial Intelligence
An Introduction to AI Models Quiz
Create an Image Model Quiz
Scratch AI Rock, Paper, Scissors Game Quiz Challenge
Create a Pose Model Quiz
Scratch AI Pose Space Game Quiz Challenge

This module offers an in-depth exploration of programming concepts through practical, hands-on projects using Microbit and web development tools. Students will develop skills in coding with JavaScript, Python, HTML, and CSS, creating games, alarm systems, and interactive web applications while mastering variables, loops, and conditional statements.

Advanced Microbit Applications
Microbit Sensor Graphs Quiz Challenge
Creating a Microbits Alarm System Quiz Challenge
Exactly 11 Quiz Challenge
Microbit Finder Quiz Challenge
Chase the Dot Quiz Challenge
Microbit - Invaders Quiz Challenge
Coding with JavaScript
Introduction to JavaScript Quiz Challenge
JavaScript - Exactly 11 Quiz Challenge
JavaScript Variables Quiz Challenge
JavaScript Data Types Quiz Challenge
JavaScript Operators Quiz Challenge
JavaScript Conditional Statements Quiz Challenge
JavaScript Switch Statements Quiz Challenge
Dynamic Web Design with HTML, CSS & JS
Overview of how HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Interact Quiz
Setting up Essential Tools Quiz Challenge
Scripting and DOM Manipulation Quiz Challenge
Dynamic Form Validation with JavaScript Quiz Challenge
Integrating External Libraries and APIs Quiz Challenge
Interactive Quiz Game Quiz Challenge
Weather Web App Quiz Challenge
Introduction to Python
An Introduction to Python Quiz
Mastering Variables Quiz Challenge
Looping Around Quiz Challenge
Making Decisions Quiz Challenge
Operators Decoded Quiz Challenge
Array Essentials Quiz Challenge
Advanced Array Tactics Quiz Challenge
Function Junction Quiz Challenge
Scope Showdown: Local vs. Global Quiz Challenge

This module introduces students to the process of creating coding projects through structured assessments. It covers planning, development, and presentation stages, guiding learners in brainstorming ideas, coding core features, and presenting their work. Emphasis is placed on creativity, problem-solving, and reflection to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.

Putting the Pieces Together

This module introduces the fundamental principles of programming through a series of engaging, hands-on lessons. Students will explore basic coding concepts, create interactive games and projects using Scratch and MakeCode Arcade, and experiment with Microbit technology. Designed for beginners, it fosters creativity and problem-solving skills through practical application.

Introduction to Coding
Introduction to Coding
Scratch Tutorial Quiz Challenge
Paddle Ball Game Quiz Challenge
Coding Projects with Scratch
Translate Quiz Challenge
Shark Swim Quiz Challenge
Autonomous Car Quiz Challenge
Pattern Creator Quiz Challenge
Attack of the Dots Quiz Challenge
Rocket Lander Quiz Challenge
Scratch Platformer Quiz Challenge
Game Development
First Arcade Project Quiz Challenge
Monkey Mayhem Quiz Challenge
Space Shooter Quiz Challenge
Platform Place Quiz Challenge
Arcade Build Battles
Galaxy Ghosts Quiz Challenge
Coding Projects with Microbits
Exploring Microbits Quiz
Microbit Step Counter Quiz Challenge
Reaction Timer Quiz Challenge
Microbit Fruit and Veg Piano Quiz Challenge
Designing a Microbits Weather Station Quiz Challenge
Microbit Compass and Thermometer Quiz Challenge
Microbit Pet Quiz Challenge

This module offers a comprehensive exploration of coding concepts through practical, hands-on lessons. Students will develop interactive games using MakeCode Arcade, understand internet fundamentals, learn online safety, and master HTML and CSS basics. Additionally, the module covers Microbit programming and introduces AI model creation, fostering creativity and technical skills in intermediate coders.

Game Design Essentials
Bat Battle Quiz Challenge
Monster Battle Arena Quiz Challenge
Donut Rush Quiz Challenge
Understanding the Internet
The World of the Internet Quiz Challenge
How Does the Internet Work? Quiz Challenge
Different Types of Devices Quiz Challenge
What is Personal Information? Quiz Challenge
Why We Shouldn't Share Personal Information Online Quiz Challenge
Strong vs. Weak Passwords Quiz Challenge
The Dangers of Sharing Passwords Quiz Challenge
Introduction to HTML and CSS
Introduction to HTML Quiz
HTML Basic Elements Quiz
HTML Tables Quiz
Crafting Complex Tables Quiz
HTML Lists Quiz
Basics of Form Creation Quiz
Advanced Input Types Quiz
Embedding Audio and Video Quiz
Introduction to CSS Quiz
CSS Box Model Quiz
CSS Text Quiz
CSS Fonts Quiz
CSS Website Layout Quiz
Applied Microbit Programming
Microbit Light Clapper Quiz Challenge
Microbit Sounds Quiz Challenge
Higher or Lower Game Quiz Challenge
Microbit Paddle Ball Quiz Challenge
Microbit Seismic and Meteorological Station Quiz Challenge
Microbit Radio Messages Quiz Challenge
Microbit Voting System Quiz Challenge
Discovering Artificial Intelligence
An Introduction to AI Models Quiz
Create an Image Model Quiz
Scratch AI Rock, Paper, Scissors Game Quiz Challenge
Create a Pose Model Quiz
Scratch AI Pose Space Game Quiz Challenge

This module offers an in-depth exploration of programming concepts through practical, hands-on projects using Microbit and web development tools. Students will develop skills in coding with JavaScript, Python, HTML, and CSS, creating games, alarm systems, and interactive web applications while mastering variables, loops, and conditional statements.

Advanced Microbit Applications
Microbit Sensor Graphs Quiz Challenge
Creating a Microbits Alarm System Quiz Challenge
Exactly 11 Quiz Challenge
Microbit Finder Quiz Challenge
Chase the Dot Quiz Challenge
Microbit - Invaders Quiz Challenge
Coding with JavaScript
Introduction to JavaScript Quiz Challenge
JavaScript - Exactly 11 Quiz Challenge
JavaScript Variables Quiz Challenge
JavaScript Data Types Quiz Challenge
JavaScript Operators Quiz Challenge
JavaScript Conditional Statements Quiz Challenge
JavaScript Switch Statements Quiz Challenge
Dynamic Web Design with HTML, CSS & JS
Overview of how HTML, CSS, and JavaScript Interact Quiz
Setting up Essential Tools Quiz Challenge
Scripting and DOM Manipulation Quiz Challenge
Dynamic Form Validation with JavaScript Quiz Challenge
Integrating External Libraries and APIs Quiz Challenge
Interactive Quiz Game Quiz Challenge
Weather Web App Quiz Challenge
Introduction to Python
An Introduction to Python Quiz
Mastering Variables Quiz Challenge
Looping Around Quiz Challenge
Making Decisions Quiz Challenge
Operators Decoded Quiz Challenge
Array Essentials Quiz Challenge
Advanced Array Tactics Quiz Challenge
Function Junction Quiz Challenge
Scope Showdown: Local vs. Global Quiz Challenge

This module introduces students to the process of creating coding projects through structured assessments. It covers planning, development, and presentation stages, guiding learners in brainstorming ideas, coding core features, and presenting their work. Emphasis is placed on creativity, problem-solving, and reflection to ensure a comprehensive learning experience.

Putting the Pieces Together

Curriculum Mapping

See exactly how this course maps to official curriculum specifications

NCCA Junior Cycle Coding Short Course (2025)
Curriculum Area
Outcomes
Introducing computer science
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9
Let’s get connected
2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13
Coding at the next level
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10

The curriculum does not include official reference codes for individual learning outcomes, so we have assigned a code scheme to make it easier to identify and track coverage.

What Students Will Learn

Learning Goals

  1. Understand the fundamental concepts and importance of coding, including how computers process instructions.
  2. Develop practical skills in creating interactive projects and games using Scratch and other coding platforms.
  3. Apply coding principles to design and programme functional applications, such as translators and autonomous systems.
  4. Explore hardware programming with tools like Micro:bit to create real-world applications like sensors and games.
  5. Foster creativity and problem-solving by experimenting with code to build unique projects and solutions.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Explain the fundamental concepts of coding, including its purpose and how computers process instructions.
  2. Create and customise basic projects in Scratch, such as games and animations, using sprites, backdrops, and code blocks.
  3. Develop interactive games in Scratch, incorporating elements like movement, collision detection, and game loops.
  4. Apply coding principles to build functional applications, such as language translators or autonomous car simulations, using Scratch extensions and variables.
  5. Demonstrate problem-solving skills by testing, debugging, and enhancing coding projects across various platforms like Scratch and MakeCode Arcade.

What You'll Need

Student Devices

Students will need one of these devices. Students can share in groups of 2-3 if necessary.

Chromebook/Laptop/PC
Chromebook/Laptop/PC
iPad/Tablet
iPad/Tablet
Required Equipment

Equipment used in some of the lessons in this course. Items can be shared among students.

Crocodile clips
Crocodile clips
Microbit
Microbit
Some fruit & vegetables
Some fruit & vegetables
Webcam/camera
Webcam/camera

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