Computer Science Foundations – Stem Academy

About Course

Computer Science Foundations introduces learners to the essential thinking skills behind programming and technology.

Instead of memorizing code, students learn how computers solve problems through logical thinking and step-by-step instructions.

Using interactive activities, visual programming, and hands-on challenges, learners explore four core computer science concepts: Sequence, Loops, Conditionals, and Variables.

Along the way, they develop computational thinking, logical reasoning, debugging, and problem-solving skills while creating their own programs.

This beginner-friendly course builds a strong foundation for future learning in Scratch, robotics, Python, artificial intelligence, and software development. By the end of the course, learners will not only understand how computers work but also think like computer scientists—planning, testing, improving, and creating solutions with confidence.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
✅ Understand the basics of block-based programming with VEXcode VR
✅ Sequence blocks to drive, turn, and control a virtual robot
✅ Use sensors (Bumper, Distance, Eye, Location) to solve challenges
✅ Draw shapes using the Pen tool on the Art Canvas playground
✅ Build efficient algorithms using loops and conditions
✅ Navigate mazes and coordinate planes
✅ Use an Electromagnet to move virtual objects
✅ Apply all learned concepts to complete the final Coral Reef Cleanup challenge
✅ Develop problem-solving, creativity, and logical thinking skills through coding

Course Content

Session 1 – Castle Crasher

Getting Started with VEXcode VR and the Castle Crasher Playground
Drive and Crash
Turning, Heading, and Crashing with Precision
3-Castle Challenge: Sequencing for Success
Creative Problem Solving: Crash Your Way
your challenge is to find a way to crash all five castles
Showcase & Strategy: Crashing All 5 Castles
Drawing with Code: Make Your First Shape
Double the Squares: Drawing with Precision
Loops in Action: Drawing Smarter with Repetition
code your robot to draw the house
Creative Showcase: Completing the Draw a House Challenge

Session 2 – Maze Solver

Session 3 – Solving with Sensors

Session 4 – Electromagnet Mania

Session 5 – Coral Reef Cleanup

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About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Session 1 – Castle Crasher

Getting Started with VEXcode VR and the Castle Crasher Playground

Drive and Crash

Turning, Heading, and Crashing with Precision

3-Castle Challenge: Sequencing for Success

Creative Problem Solving: Crash Your Way

your challenge is to find a way to crash all five castles

Showcase & Strategy: Crashing All 5 Castles

Drawing with Code: Make Your First Shape

Double the Squares: Drawing with Precision

Loops in Action: Drawing Smarter with Repetition

code your robot to draw the house

Creative Showcase: Completing the Draw a House Challenge

Session 2 – Maze Solver

Solving a Maze with the Bumper Sensor

Navigating to Targets with Logic and Duplication

Creative Maze Solutions: Reversing, Rerouting, and Orientation Awareness

Mastering Maze Logic: Using Loops to Drive with Precision

Code the VR robot to Solve the Maze challenge

Showcase & Strategy: to solve the Maze

Solving Mazes Without Touching Walls: Intro to the Distance Sensor

Advanced Navigation with Distance Sensor: Driving to 1 and B

Full Maze Build: Reaching 3 with Distance Sensor & Looping Logic

Code the VR robot to solve the maze-distance challenge

Distance Sensor Maze Solver: Final Project & Sensor Comparison

Session 3 – Solving with Sensors

Exploring the Location Sensor: Navigating with Coordinates

Navigating Between Multiple Coordinates Using the X-Axis

Mastering Complex Navigation with Location Sensor and Project Comments

Code the VR robot to drive to 3 numbers challenge

drive to 3 number challenge showcase

Session 4 – Electromagnet Mania

Introduction to the Electromagnet and Disc Mover Challenge

Automating Multiple Disk Pickups with Precise Movements

Using Sensor Feedback and Loops for Automated Multi-Disk Pickups

Mastering Nested Loops: Multi-Color Disk Sorting Challenge

code the VR robot to move all disks challenge

move all disks challenge showcase

Session 5 – Coral Reef Cleanup

Building Smart Algorithms: Crashing Castles with Sensor Feedback

Mastering Algorithms: Smart Navigation with Sensors and Conditions

Knock all the cast pieces challenge

Coral Reef Cleanup: Level 1 – Building a Responsible Trash Collection

Code VR robot to collect all 5 pieces of trash

Coral Reef Cleanup: Smarter Collection with Sensors

Coral Reef Cleanup: Smart Navigation & Sensor Strategy

Student Ratings & Reviews