Bootstrap curriculum

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Bootstrap Curriculum

Bootstrap curriculum consists of 4 research-based curricular computer science modules for grades 6-12. The 4 modules are Bootstrap:Algebra, Bootstrap:Reactive, Bootstrap:Data Science, and Bootstrap:Physics. Bootstrap materials reinforce core concepts from mainstream subjects like Math, Physics and more, enabling non-CS teachers to adopt our introductory materials while delivering rigorous and engaging computing content drawn from Computer Science classes at universities like Brown, WPI, and Northeastern.

Bootstrap:Algebra is the flagship curriculum for students ages 12–16, teaching algebraic concepts through coding. By the end of the curriculum, each student has designed their own video game using the concepts (e.g. - order of operations, linear functions, function composition, the pythagorean theorem, inequalities in the plane, piecewise functions, and more).

Their mission is to take students' excitement around gaming and drive it towards mathematics and computer programming. Beyond simply expanding students’ interest in math, Bootstrap:Algebra is among the first curricula to demonstrate real improvement in students' algebra performance.^[1][2]

Bootstrap:Algebra can be integrated into a standalone CS or mainstream math class, and aligns with national and state math standards. And since every child takes algebra - regardless of gender or background - Bootstrap is one of the largest providers of formal CS education to girls and underrepresented students nationwide.

The other modules model physics, data science, and sophisticated interactive programs, and can be integrated into Social Studies, Science, Math, Intro and even AP CS Principles courses. Teachers can mix-and-match content across various modules to fit their needs.

Bootstrap works with schools, districts and organizations across the United States, reaching hundreds of teachers and tens of thousands of students since its foundation in 2006. Workshops are also offered throughout the country, where teachers receive specialized training to deliver the class.

Curriculum

The Bootstrap program is broken up into two modules, Bootstrap:1 and Bootstrap:2.

Bootstrap:Algebra

Bootstrap:Algebra is a 25+ hour curricular module that applies mathematical concepts and rigorous programming principles to creating a simple videogame, and is aligned to National and State Standards for Mathematics, as well as the CSTA standards and K12CS frameworks. Students create a simple, 3-character game involving a player, a target and a danger. They design what each character looks like, and use algebraic concepts to detect collisions, handle keystrokes, and determine how they move and interact.

The primary concepts covered are:

Mathematics

• Word Problems
• Coordinate planes
• Order of Operations
• Variables
• Functions
• Input/Output Tables
• Domain and Range
• Function Composition
• Inequalities in the Plane
• Piecewise Functions
• Pythagorean Theorem
• Number lines

Programming

• Numbers, Strings and Images
• Defining Functions
• Unit Testing
• Boolean Logic
• Multi-input Functions
• Mixed-Type Functions

Below are some sample Games

Bootstrap:Reactive

In Bootstrap:Reactive, students learn more about what makes the game they designed in Bootstrap:Algebra work. Using data structures, students animate their games and devise a world structure to create a more sophisticated game.

The primary concepts covered are:

Mathematics

• Complex functional relationships
• Exploring Randomness
• Connections to Trigonometry

Programming

• Event-Driven Programming
• Data Structures
• Whole-Program Design
• Data Modeling
• Encapsulation
• Connections to recursion, lists, and algorithms

Toolset

Bootstrap:1 is taught in the teaching subsets of the Racket programming language, and Bootstrap:2 moves students to Pyret. Both are functional languages, meaning they behave algebraically and so are well-suited to a math class. Bootstrap students primarily use cloud-based programming environments--WeScheme for Bootstrap:1 and code.pyret.org for Bootstrap:2. Teachers may download DrRacket for offline use with either language.

History

In 2005, Emmanuel Schanzer wrote the first version of the Bootstrap curriculum, adapting many of the ideas from the celebrated Program by Design curriculum for use in the context of an 8th grade math class, and inventing a number of teaching techniques (most notably the “Circles of Evaluation”). In 2006, Bootstrap was joined by Kathi Fisler and Shriram Krishnamurthi, both professors of computer science. It was piloted through a 10-week after-school program, but after its initial success, Bootstrap found its way into standard math classes all over the country.

Reception

Over the last decade, Bootstrap has focused on research into learning outcomes, in contrast to other, advocacy focused efforts. In April 2015, Bootstrap received funding from Google in conjunction with CSNYC. In September 2015, Bootstrap was chosen as the math component of NYC's CS4All initiative. In October 2015, Bootstrap was awarded a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, which will help fine-tune the program and make it even more widespread in schools across the country. Code.org uses some of Bootstrap’s elements in their own curriculum, and engineers from Google, Apple, Facebook, TripAdvisor, and Cisco have all used Bootstrap to teach students in their communities.

External links

• Bootstrap
• Teaching Algebra through Functional Programming:An Analysis of the Bootstrap Curriculum, BYU Master's thesis on bootstrap curriculum