Smart Servo Curriculum: CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards Progression

This matrix maps the progression of CSTA (Computer Science Teachers Association) K-12 Computer Science Standards across the smart servo assistive technology curriculum. It shows when specific standards are introduced, developed, mastered, and applied throughout the K-12 sequence.

Hover over any standard for detailed information about its role in the smart servo curriculum.

Key to Understanding the Matrix

Alignment Legend

Computing Systems: Devices

STANDARD Level 1A (5-7) Level 1B (8-11) Level 2 (11-14) Level 3A (14-16)
Select and operate appropriate software

Standard Description

Understand and select appropriate software for specific tasks and purposes.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Strong Alignment
Smart servo curriculum involves selecting and using CircuitPython IDE, programming interfaces, and specific coding environments tailored to microcontroller development.

Key Concepts

Software selection, programming environments, task-specific tools
I D M A
Describe computing device parts and functions

Standard Description

Understand and explain the components and functions of computing devices.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Strong Alignment
Smart servo projects involve deep exploration of microcontrollers, servo motors, input/output components, and their specific functions in assistive technology.

Key Concepts

Hardware components, device functionality, system integration
I D M
Recommend device improvements

Standard Description

Analyze existing devices and propose meaningful improvements.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Moderate Alignment
Smart servo curriculum encourages iterative design and improvement of assistive technology solutions through human-centered design processes.

Key Concepts

Critical analysis, design iteration, user-centered improvement
I D/M

Computing Systems: Hardware & Software

STANDARD Level 1A (5-7) Level 1B (8-11) Level 2 (11-14) Level 3A (14-16)
Identify and describe hardware components

Standard Description

Understand and explain various hardware components and their interactions.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Strong Alignment
Extensive focus on hardware components including microcontrollers, servo motors, LEDs, input devices, and their integration in assistive technology projects.

Key Concepts

Hardware identification, component functionality, system design
I D M A
Model hardware and software system interactions

Standard Description

Create models demonstrating how hardware and software components interact.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Strong Alignment
Smart servo projects require students to understand and model interactions between CircuitPython code, microcontroller, servo motor, and input/output devices.

Key Concepts

System modeling, software-hardware integration, computational thinking
I D M
Design projects combining hardware and software

Standard Description

Create integrated projects that combine hardware and software components.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Strong Alignment
Entire smart servo curriculum is centered on designing assistive technology solutions that integrate hardware and software components.

Key Concepts

Integrated design, interdisciplinary problem-solving, assistive technology
I D/M

Computing Systems: Troubleshooting

STANDARD Level 1A (5-7) Level 1B (8-11) Level 2 (11-14) Level 3A (14-16)
Describe hardware and software problems

Standard Description

Identify and articulate specific hardware and software issues.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Strong Alignment
Debugging is a core component of smart servo projects, with students learning to identify and describe servo motor, code, and electrical connection issues.

Key Concepts

Problem identification, diagnostic skills, technical communication
I D M A
Determine solutions to hardware/software issues

Standard Description

Develop and implement solutions for identified hardware and software problems.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Strong Alignment
Students develop systematic approaches to resolving technical issues in their assistive technology projects, using iterative design and debugging techniques.

Key Concepts

Problem-solving, technical troubleshooting, iterative design
I D M
Systematically identify and fix computing device problems

Standard Description

Develop a structured approach to diagnosing and resolving computing device issues.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Moderate Alignment
Smart servo curriculum introduces systematic troubleshooting, but additional focus on comprehensive diagnostic processes could enhance alignment.

Key Concepts

Systematic problem-solving, diagnostic methodologies, technical resilience
I D/M

Networks & The Internet: Network Communication

STANDARD Level 1A (5-7) Level 1B (8-11) Level 2 (11-14) Level 3A (14-16)
Network Information Transmission

Standard Description

Understand how information is transmitted through networks and communication systems.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Moderate Alignment
Smart servo projects involve basic communication concepts through microcontroller programming and input/output interactions. Additional networking concepts may need explicit instruction.

Key Concepts

Signal transmission, input/output protocols, digital communication
I D M
Network Protocols Understanding

Standard Description

Comprehend and explain how different network protocols facilitate communication.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Needs Supplementation
Current smart servo curriculum focuses on local communication. Additional lessons on network protocols and broader communication systems would enhance understanding.

Key Concepts

Communication standards, data exchange, protocol layers
I D/M

Data & Analysis: Collection, Visualization, & Transformation

STANDARD Level 1A (5-7) Level 1B (8-11) Level 2 (11-14) Level 3A (14-16)
Data Collection and Visual Presentation

Standard Description

Collect data from various sources and present it visually to communicate findings.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Strong Alignment
Smart servo projects involve collecting performance data, user interaction metrics, and creating visual representations of servo motor characteristics and assistive technology effectiveness.

Key Concepts

Data gathering, graphical representation, performance metrics
I D M A
Data Transformation and Analysis

Standard Description

Transform and analyze data using computational tools to derive meaningful insights.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Moderate Alignment
Servo performance data can be transformed and analyzed, but additional computational tools and techniques might be needed to fully develop this skill.

Key Concepts

Data processing, computational analysis, insight generation
I D M

Algorithms & Programming: Control

STANDARD Level 1A (5-7) Level 1B (8-11) Level 2 (11-14) Level 3A (14-16)
Programming Control Structures

Standard Description

Create programs using sequences, events, loops, and conditionals to control program flow.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Strong Alignment
Smart servo programming directly involves creating control structures for servo movement, LED interaction, and input processing. Examples include toggle functions, button detection, and servo position control.

Key Concepts

Conditional logic, event handling, program flow control
I D M A
Complex Control Structures

Standard Description

Design programs with nested loops and compound conditionals for more complex problem-solving.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Moderate Alignment
Smart servo curriculum provides foundation for complex control structures through multi-function examples, but explicit instruction on nested loops and advanced conditionals would enhance learning.

Key Concepts

Advanced logic, multi-condition processing, sophisticated control flow
I D/M

Impacts of Computing: Social Interactions

STANDARD Level 1A (5-7) Level 1B (8-11) Level 2 (11-14) Level 3A (14-16)
Collaborative Technology Design

Standard Description

Collaborate using technology, seek diverse perspectives for computational artifacts, and work respectfully online.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Strong Alignment
Smart servo curriculum emphasizes human-centered design, stakeholder interviews, and collaborative problem-solving in assistive technology development.

Key Concepts

Teamwork, empathy, inclusive design, collaborative problem-solving
I D M A
Cross-Cultural Technology Collaboration

Standard Description

Use collaboration tools across cultures and career contexts to develop technological solutions.

Alignment with Smart Servo

Moderate Alignment
While the curriculum promotes diverse perspectives, explicit instruction on cross-cultural collaboration tools and techniques would enhance this standard.

Key Concepts

Global collaboration, cultural competence, technological communication
I D/M