What grade levels do these standards cover?

Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12

K–12 Standards

Exploring Computer Science (2025)
Other Mississippi CTE sets
Cyber Foundations 1 (2020)
Information and Communication Technology I (2014): Grades 6, 7, 8
Information and Communication Technology II (2014): Grades 6, 7, 8
Cyber Foundations 2 (2020)
Advanced Technical Mathematics (2021): Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Cyber Foundations II (2025)
Early Childhood Education (2022)
Graphic Design I (2023)
Graphic Design II (2023)
Business, Marketing, and Finance: Units 10-20 Only (2020)
Educator Preparation I & II (2022)
Broadcast Journalism: Publications & Productions
Business, Marketing, and Finance (2025)
Culinary Arts I (2025)
Culinary Arts II (2025)

Unit 1: Orientation and Ongoing Skills1.1

1
Identify school policies and safety procedures related to Exploring Computer Science (ECS).1.1
1. a
  Examine the school handbook, acceptable-use policy for technology, and safety procedures.1.1.a
2. b
  Preview the course outline and its relevance in today’s workforce.1.1.b
3. c
  Recognize appropriate safety measures related to technology in the computer lab and online safety.1.1.c
2
Investigate using an online learning management system (LMS). DOK21.2
1. a
  Discover online learning environments and how they operate among teachers and students.1.2.a
2. b
  Demonstrate proper email etiquette.1.2.b
3. c
  Participate in online learning methods (discussion boards, student journals, blogs, wikis, and so forth).1.2.c
4. d
  Collaborate with teachers and peers through an online system.1.2.d
3
Recognize opportunities to participate in student organizations related to technology and computer science. DOK11.3
1. a
  Identify student organizations available at the school for technology and computer science.1.3.a
2. b
  List student competitions available through each organization.1.3.b
4
Demonstrate knowledge of 21st-century skills. DOK21.4
1. a
  Demonstrate effective collaboration and teamwork.1.4.a
2. b
  Demonstrate creativity and imagination.1.4.b
3. c
  Utilize critical thinking through effective reasoning, making judgments and decisions using journaling.1.4.c
5
Demonstrate effective public speaking skills. DOK21.5
1. a
  Demonstrate effective communication in groups.1.5.a
2. b
  Demonstrate presentation skills.1.5.b
6
Explore career opportunities within computer science in programming, cybersecurity, data science, robotics, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and web development.1.6
1. a
  Identify and research career opportunities in programming, cybersecurity, data science, robotics, AI, and human-computer interaction.1.6.a
2. b
  Describe how career fields use technology in their work.1.6.b
3. c
  Examine the requirements, skills, wages, education, and employment opportunities in computer science career areas.1.6.c
7
Create and maintain a personal portfolio website to showcase work and projects1.7

Unit 2: Human-Computer Interaction2.2

1
Explain the difference between computers and computing. DOK12.1
1. a
  Identify characteristics of hardware components and their applications.2.1.a
2. b
  Explain the four characteristics of a computer: input, output, processing, and storage.2.1.b
3. c
  Explain the differences between tasks that can and cannot be accomplished with a computer.2.1.c
2
Evaluate how the internet works and tools/methods used to navigate it. DOK32.2
1. a
  Use appropriate tools and methods to execute internet searches.2.2.a
2. b
  Evaluate the reliability of websites and AI responses.2.2.b
3. c
  Define and give examples of the Internet of Things (IoT).2.2.c
3
Analyze the effects of computing on society within economic, social, and cultural contexts.2.3
1. a
  Discuss legal, ethical, and security concerns raised by computing innovation.2.3.a
2. b
  Explain the implications of communication as data exchange.2.3.b
  1
  Recognize various forms of communication as data exchange.2.3.b.1
  2
  Describe the implications of data exchange on social interactions.2.3.b.2
  3
  Explain how computers are used for communications.2.3.b.3
  4
  Compare and contrast privacy and access concerns between online versus in-person data exchanges.2.3.b.4
3. c
  Identify web applications that influence society and education.2.3.c
4. d
  Identify appropriate and inappropriate use of social websites.2.3.d
4
Explain the basic concepts of cloud computing and its applications. DOK22.4
1. a
  Define “the cloud” and its major attributes.2.4.a
2. b
  Describe the major benefits of cloud computing.2.4.b

Unit 3: Problem Solving3.3

1
Understand the problem-solving process. DOK23.1
1. a
  Name and explain the steps in the problem-solving process.3.1.a
2. b
  Solve various problems using the problem-solving process and document each step.3.1.b
2
Design and interpret algorithms. DOK33.2
1. a
  Define an algorithm and determine its effectiveness.3.2.a
2. b
  Determine if a given algorithm successfully solves a stated problem.3.2.b
3. c
  Create algorithms that meet specified objectives.3.2.c
4. d
  Summarize the behavior of an algorithm.3.2.d
5. e
  Compare the tradeoffs between different algorithms for solving the same problem.3.2.e
6. f
  Explain the characteristics of problems that an algorithm cannot solve.3.2.f
3
Demonstrate an understanding of binary numbers. DOK23.3
1. a
  Explain the connections between binary numbers and computers.3.3.a
2. b
  Count forward and backward in binary.3.3.b
3. c
  Use binary digits to code and decode messages.3.3.c
4
Understand simple search algorithms. DOK23.4
1. a
  Illustrate and explain linear and binary search algorithms.3.4.a
2. b
  Explain conditions in which each search would be appropriate.3.4.b
5
Explain sorting algorithms. DOK23.5
1. a
  Define sorted and unsorted lists.3.5.a
2. b
  Describe various sorting algorithms and compare them.3.5.b
6
Describe minimum spanning trees. DOK33.6
1. a
  Solve minimum spanning tree problems and provide real-world examples (e.g., power grids, gas lines).3.6.a
2. b
  Explain how a minimum spanning tree relates to computer science networks.3.6.b

Unit 4: Introduction to Programming4.4

1
Use appropriate algorithms to solve a problem. DOK34.1
1. a
  Write steps or flow diagrams to plan solutions to programming problems.4.1.a
2. b
  Write code that is properly sequenced to solve problems.4.1.b
2
Using a text-based language (i.e., Python, C++), design, code, test, and execute a program corresponding to a set of specifications. DOK24.2
1. a
  Describe an event-driven program.4.2.a
2. b
  Use industry constructs such as pseudocode and comments to draft a program.4.2.b
3. c
  Apply programming structures such as variables, conditionals, loops, and input/output to create a program.4.2.c
3
Using a text-based language, locate and correct errors in a program. DOK34.3
1. a
  Deconstruct programs into smaller components to isolate problems.4.3.a
2. b
  Identify and correct errors in a program written by a student and another by a peer (debug).4.3.b
3. c
  Use AI to create and debug programs.4.3.c
4. d
  Evaluate the reliability of AI in creating and debugging programs.4.3.d
5. e
  Discuss the pros, cons, and ethics of using AI in programming.4.3.e
6. f
  Evaluate a peer’s program and provide constructive feedback on accuracy, efficiency, and readability.4.3.f
4
Compare/contrast at least three programming languages. DOK34.4
1. a
  Identify the best use of each language and their differences.4.4.a
2. b
  Compare the syntax of each language for the following structures: variables, conditionals, loops, and input/output.4.4.b
5
Use abstraction to reduce complexity.4.5
1. a
  Use abstraction to reduce complexity.4.5.a
2. b
  Explain abstraction and provide examples in everyday life.4.5.b

Unit 5: Data Science and Computing5.5

1
Understand big data and its characteristics. DOK15.1
1. a
  Understand the complexities of collecting, processing, and managing large data sets.5.1.a
2. b
  Identify real-world applications of big data in various fields.5.1.b
3. c
  Utilize tools to analyze large data sets.5.1.c
4. d
  Draw conclusions about the data set selected.5.1.d
5. e
  Discuss methods of collecting and validating data.5.1.e
6. f
  Collaborate with others to create artifacts (i.e. surveys).5.1.f
7. g
  Understand and discuss data bias.5.1.g
2
Identify and discuss the considerations that must be made for a large data set to be useful.5.2
1. a
  Consider how various data types (numbers, text, dates, etc.) lend themselves to processing.5.2.a
2. b
  Explain how different representations of data can tell different stories.5.2.b
3. c
  Collaborate with others to create, manage, and maintain a large data set.5.2.c
3
Understand the complexities of collecting, processing, and analyzing data sets. DOK25.3
1. a
  Identify the specific variables needed to analyze the data.5.3.a
2. b
  Interpret data and draw conclusions to solve problems.5.3.b
3. c
  Understand the problem-solving process.5.3.c
4
Define data analytics. DOK15.4
1. a
  Discuss what data analytics might involve.5.4.a
2. b
  Compare different analysis techniques and discuss the tradeoffs among them.5.4.b
3. c
  Understand machine learning and how it works.5.4.c

Unit 6: Artificial Intelligence (AI)6.6

1
Summarize artificial intelligence (AI) terms and concepts. DOK16.1
1. a
  Explain key terminology associated with AI, including weak AI, strong AI, generative AI, artificial general intelligence (AGI), rule-based AI, and context-aware AI.6.1.a
2. b
  Develop an understanding of AI images and narratives.6.1.b
3. c
  Explore the concept of prompt engineering in AI.6.1.c
2
Explore AI tools and their impact. DOK36.2
1. a
  Identify the type of AI being used. (e.g., image recognition, speech recognition, translation, etc.)6.2.a
2. b
  Test various prompts and describe the results.6.2.b
3. c
  Understand how AI is changing different sectors. (e.g., medicine, agriculture, etc.)6.2.c
4. d
  Explore and explain the impact of AI on our society.6.2.d
5. e
  Recognize that future work is changing.6.2.e
3
Recognize and understand AI data and bias. DOK36.3
1. a
  Judge algorithmic bias and the effect of bias on individuals and society.6.3.a
2. b
  Examine issues involving privacy and the collection of data.6.3.b
4
Develop skills in prompt engineering for AI applications. DOK26.4
1. a
  Understand the basics of prompt engineering and its importance in AI.6.4.a
2. b
  Create effective prompts for AI models to achieve desired outcomes.6.4.b
3. c
  Evaluate the effectiveness of different prompts and refine them for better results6.4.c

Unit 7a: Physical Computing—Robotics7a.7a

1
Identify the criteria that describe a robot and determine if something is a robot.7a.1
1. a
  Describe how the design of a robot’s body affects its behavior.7a.1.a
2. b
  Identify the parts and features of a robot (motors, sensors, batteries, buttons/switches, etc.).7a.1.b
2
Build, code, and test a robot that solves a stated problem.7a.2
1. a
  Navigate the programming environment to build and code a robot that performs specific tasks.7a.2.a
2. b
  Implement Boolean operators, loops, conditionals, and waits in robot programming to control behavior.7a.2.b
3. c
  Debug coding of the robot by testing, identifying, and fixing errors to ensure proper functionality.7a.2.c

Unit 7b: Physical Computing—Microcontrollers7b.7b

1
Identify common microcontroller terms. DOK17b.1
1. a
  Communicate microcontroller terms using multiple formats (e.g., verbally, textually, graphically).7b.1.a
2. b
  Identify and label the components of a hands-on or simulation microcontroller from the list below:7b.1.b
  1
  Power sources7b.1.b.1
  2
  Inputs7b.1.b.2
  3
  Switches7b.1.b.3
  4
  Push buttons7b.1.b.4
  5
  Sensors7b.1.b.5
  6
  Joysticks and remotes7b.1.b.6
  7
  Outputs7b.1.b.7
  8
  Buzzers7b.1.b.8
  9
  LEDs7b.1.b.9
  10
  LCD modules7b.1.b.10
2
Use programming to manipulate microcontroller inputs and outputs. DOK27b.2
1. a
  Incorporate the following methods/concepts in the programming:7b.2.a
  1
  Different languages (e.g., Scratch, SNAP, Python, etc.)7b.2.a.1
  2
  Logic statements (e.g., if, and, or, not, etc.)7b.2.a.2
  3
  Loops (e.g., for, if, while, etc.)7b.2.a.3
3
Use a microcontroller for a specified purpose. DOK27b.3
1. a
  Demonstrate the proper use of a microcontroller for a specified purpose.7b.3.a
2. b
  Explain how microcontrollers are used to manipulate a robotic system.7b.3.b
4
Add microcontrollers and troubleshooting. DOK37b.4
1. a
  Describe the use of microcontrollers in physical computing.7b.4.a

Unit 7c: Physical Computing—E-Textiles7c.7c

1
Design, interpret, and evaluate simple circuit diagrams with key components. DOK27c.1
1. a
  Draw a circuit diagram with a simple circuit.7c.1.a
2. b
  Identify necessary components of a simple circuit system (power, components, polarity, etc.)7c.1.b
3. c
  Peer review one another’s circuit diagrams according to a rubric.7c.1.c
4. d
  Create a paper greeting card with electronic components (including designing it, crafting it, debugging it, and sharing it with classmates).7c.1.d
2
Construct parallel circuits using conductive materials and switches while applying an iterative design process.7c.2
1. a
  Use conductive thread to sew electronic components.7c.2.a
2. b
  Design and create a working parallel circuit with three lights.7c.2.b
3. c
  Demonstrate how a switch works to turn electricity flow on and off.7c.2.c
4. d
  Use an iterative design process.7c.2.d
3
Implement computational circuits with pre-programmed mini-computers and understand common grounding. DOK37c.3
1. a
  Design a computational circuit using a pre-programmed mini-computer.7c.3.a
2. b
  Understand the role of a common ground.7c.3.b

Unit 7d: Physical Computing—Networking7d.7d

1
Explore fundamental networking concepts. DOK27d.1
1. a
  Define what a computer network is and explain its purpose.7d.1.a
2. b
  Identify different types of networks (LAN, WAN, WLAN) and their characteristics.7d.1.b
3. c
  Explain the concept of IP addresses and their role in networking.7d.1.c
4. d
  Describe the basic functions of networking devices such as servers, routers, and switches.7d.1.d
5. e
  Demonstrate the ability to set up a simple local network and connect devices on paper, in a virtual setting, or with actual hardware.7d.1.e
6. f
  Understand basic network security principles and identify common threats.7d.1.f

Unit 7e: Physical Computing—VR System7e.7e

1
Investigate the process of developing virtual environments. DOK27e.1
1. a
  Create programs using virtual engines such as Unreal (visual) or Unity (text).7e.1.a
2. b
  Demonstrate knowledge of key terms such as levels, worlds, scenes, assets, viewport, camera, etc.7e.1.b
3. c
  Import assets for use in programming projects.7e.1.c
4. d
  Script assets to perform designated tasks within a project.7e.1.d
5. e
  Compile and publish completed projects for testing or as finished products.7e.1.e

Unit 8: Cybersecurity8.8

1
Define cybersecurity and its importance. DOK 18.1
1. a
  Differentiate between attackers and defenders.8.1.a
2. b
  Describe types of hacking and the CIA triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability).8.1.b
3. c
  Discuss ethics in cybersecurity.8.1.c
2
Discuss confidentiality in cybersecurity.8.2
1. a
  Explain encryption, passwords, and multifactor authentication.8.2.a
2. b
  Analyze case studies of data breaches.8.2.b
3
Explain integrity and hashing. DOK28.3
1. a
  Describe hashing and its role in maintaining data integrity.8.3.a
4
Discuss availability considerations. DOK38.4
1. a
  Explain backups, DoS (denial-of-service) attacks, disaster plans, and redundancy.8.4.a
5
Analyze adversary thinking and social engineering. DOK48.5
1. a
  Evaluate phishing, insider/outsider threats, and ransomware tactics.8.5.a

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?: Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12
Where can I read the official document?: Exploring Computer Science 2025

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