Code Your Imagination: From Ideas to AI-Powered Apps, Grades 6-9
Digital Learning Lab course
8 class sessions, 1.5 hours per class (12 hours of instruction)
October 1 - November 19
Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. PST
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This course has been developed in partnership with the Digital Learning Lab (DLL), a UCI research lab leading the nation in developing innovative AI and computational thinking curriculum. To learn more about the DLL, visit their website at digitallearninglab.org. |
Course Description:
This innovative online course equips emerging coders to excel in the age of artificial intelligence by combining hands-on creativity with powerful AI tools. Using CreatiCode—a block coding language based on Scratch—students will develop personal digital projects without needing to master complex programming syntax. This approach makes advanced coding concepts accessible to learners of all backgrounds and experience levels.
Throughout the course, students will learn to use AI as a coding assistant while also designing and building their own AI-powered applications from the ground up—including a personal chatbot that can converse with Einstein. They will complete two distinct projects that strengthen their creative problem-solving, logical thinking, and project design skills.
Through engaging, AI-assisted projects, students will:
● Create original games, stories, and quizzes by combining block coding with AI tools
● Learn to design effective prompts for generating custom visuals and interactive content
● Strengthen problem-solving skills through testing, debugging, and refining their work
● Discover how to collaborate with AI while keeping their own creativity at the center
Instructor Biography:
Sarah Lee is an experienced computer science educator with a strong background in mathematics and cybersecurity. She has over 20 years of experience teaching secondary mathematics and has coached middle school teams in the nationwide CyberPatriot Cybersecurity Competition. In her district, she established a CTE pathway in Cybersecurity and has spent the past five years teaching middle school cybersecurity courses in Fullerton. Recognized by SynEd as a Cyber Hero, Sarah also contributed to the K–12 Cybersecurity Standards published by cyber.org. She holds a B.A. from the University of Southern California, a Single Subject Math Credential from UC Irvine, and a Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Technology.
This innovative online course equips emerging coders to excel in the age of artificial intelligence by combining hands-on creativity with powerful AI tools. Using CreatiCode—a block coding language based on Scratch—students will develop personal digital projects without needing to master complex programming syntax. This approach makes advanced coding concepts accessible to learners of all backgrounds and experience levels.
Throughout the course, students will learn to use AI as a coding assistant while also designing and building their own AI-powered applications from the ground up—including a personal chatbot that can converse with Einstein. They will complete two distinct projects that strengthen their creative problem-solving, logical thinking, and project design skills.
Through engaging, AI-assisted projects, students will:
● Create original games, stories, and quizzes by combining block coding with AI tools
● Learn to design effective prompts for generating custom visuals and interactive content
● Strengthen problem-solving skills through testing, debugging, and refining their work
● Discover how to collaborate with AI while keeping their own creativity at the center
Instructor Biography:
Sarah Lee is an experienced computer science educator with a strong background in mathematics and cybersecurity. She has over 20 years of experience teaching secondary mathematics and has coached middle school teams in the nationwide CyberPatriot Cybersecurity Competition. In her district, she established a CTE pathway in Cybersecurity and has spent the past five years teaching middle school cybersecurity courses in Fullerton. Recognized by SynEd as a Cyber Hero, Sarah also contributed to the K–12 Cybersecurity Standards published by cyber.org. She holds a B.A. from the University of Southern California, a Single Subject Math Credential from UC Irvine, and a Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Technology.