Belmont Public Schools

Belmont, MA 02478

W. L. Chenery Middle School

Computer Literacy

Grade 5

 

14 Lessons – One semester, once per 6 day cycle

 

Units of Study

 

Healthy keyboarding techniques

Graphing and analyzing data
     Graphmaster
     Excel

PowerPoint Basics
     Tips for creating effective presentations

Word processing basics
     Shortcut keys
     Formatting toolbar
     Standard toolbar

     Importing and formatting digital images

Creating illustrations using the Paint program
     Using the drawing toolbox
     Creating custom colors
Internet Basics
     Kid safe search engines
     Protecting your personal information
     Finding and citing digital images

Podcasting book reviews
     Using a microphone and headset
     Recording in Audacity
     Importing sound tracks and adding effects
     Exporting as an MP3 file

 

More detail

 

Grade 7

 

14 Lessons – One quarter of the year, twice per six day cycle

 

Units of Study

 

Spreadsheets
     Creating tables and charts

     Advanced formatting features

     Basic formulas and functions
     Importing tables and charts into Word and PowerPoint

Computer Basics
     Parts of a computer and their function
     Computer terms (input/output, RAM/ROM, CPU, 

     microprocessor, storage devices and amounts)

     PowerPoint presentation
Digital Citizenship

     Protecting your personal information
          Social networking sites, chat rooms, online purchases
     Computer security
          Spyware

          Spam

          Computer virus protection
          Browser settings

          Firewalls

     Cyber bullying tips

     Copyright and Fair Use of digital media
           
More detail

 

Grade 8

 

28 Lessons – One semester, twice per six-day cycle

 

Units of Study

 

Web site design—semester project

     Elements of a good web site
     Color selection

     Converting files for use on a web site
     Basic digital image editing using Photoshop
Searching and researching on the Internet

     Advanced search options

     Search engines and subject directories
     Using Boolean operators to refine a search
     Identifying credible web sources
     Citing web sources using the MLA format
          Noodletools

     Inspiration project
Evaluating websites for credibility

     Keys to finding credible sources

     Evaluating a website for credibility
          Pair activity
          Survey the class
Internet Safety— selected topics
   Digital storytelling using the Scratch program
          Writing the script
          Designing background scenes
          Selecting your characters
          Creating animations in your story

          Small group project

More detail

 

 

Course Overview