Course Description

Java is the language behind Android apps, Minecraft mods, and countless websites and games. It is powerful, widely used, and built to run almost anywhere. This course introduces grades 6–8 to computer science and programming using Java. This is a great class for students who love solving puzzles, creating games, and discovering how the technology they use every day works. It is especially well suited for curious learners who enjoy building projects, thinking logically, and turning their own ideas into programs. 

Students learn to think like computer scientists by breaking problems into small steps, writing clear code, and debugging their way to solutions. 

Starting with the basics of variables, input/output, and conditionals, they progress through methods, loops, arrays, and introductory object-oriented concepts, applying each concept to kid-friendly projects such as text-based games, puzzles, and simple simulations. By the end, students build a final Java program that solves a problem they care about and can explain their design and debugging process to others. 

No prior programming experience required. Students are encouraged to bring a laptop to class. The Robinson Center will provide loaner laptops for students who need one. Please note that tablets are not permitted for this course

Essential Questions

  • What does it mean to “think like a computer scientist,” and how can programming help us solve problems?
  • How do we break a big problem into smaller steps that a computer can follow?
  • How do variables, conditionals, loops, and methods let us store data, make decisions, and repeat actions in Java?
  • What strategies help us find and fix bugs when our code doesn’t work as expected?
  • How can we design programs that are clear, reusable, and easy for others (and our future selves) to understand?
  • In what ways can Java programs model real-world situations, games, or puzzles?

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1 What computer programming/ science and Java is and how programs run; students set up their environment and write their first program
Week 2 Variables, data types, and basic operators; students practice storing and manipulating numbers and text in small coding exercises.
Week 3 Input/output and conditionals; students write programs that read user input and make decisions using if/else statements.
Week 4 Methods and testing; students learn to break code into reusable methods and use simple tests to check that their code works.
Week 5 Loops and iteration; students use for and while loops to repeat actions and solve problems like counting, summing, and simple games.
Week 6 Strings and arrays; students work with text and lists, practicing indexing, looping through arrays, and basic string operations.
Week 7 Intro to objects and classes; students create simple classes, instantiate objects, and use fields and methods to model real-world things.
Week 8 Final project work; students design and implement their own Java program applying concepts from earlier weeks.
Week 9                      Final presentations and reflection; students share their projects, explain their design and debugging process, and reflect on what they learned.

Instructor

Other Details

Cost

  • $337.50
    • 9 classes, 50 minute class

Location

Date & Time

  • Saturdays, September 26 - November 21st 2026
  • 12:00pm - 12:50pm

Refund and Transfer Deadlines

  • Full refund: Two weeks before classes start
  • 50% refund: One week before classes start
  • No refund: Less than one week before classes start