Computational Thinking and Robotics

The first thing that I noticed when comparing Computational Thinking and Robotics within the BC Curriculum is that Robotics is not mentioned or required until Grade Six.  However, Computational Thinking exists as a Big Idea which spans the years from Kindergarten to Grade Seven; the grades that I service at my current school.

Secondly, Computations Skills sits squarely in the Mathematics Curriculum and Robotics in the ADST Curriculum.

Thirdly, the Computational Thinking Skills switches from the Mathematics to the ADST Curriculum in Grade Six.  I find it difficult to separate the two as using robots means learning how to program and/or code and coding and programming are Mathematical skills.  Computational Thinking is necessary for Robotics so the two components connect like a Möbius strip…connected, looped, combined and intertwined…inseparable.

Questions:  Why would Robotics not be listed an as optional Big Idea or Core Competency for Grades Four and Five?  How is it that Computational Thinking is not listed as an ADST skill from Kindergarten to Grade Five?  If Computational Thinking Skills are a part of the Mathematics Curriculum from K-5, why are they not likewise listed in the ADST Curriculum, since they are so closely linked?

Surprises:  I was surprised that Robotics is not placed in the neither the Mathematics or ADST Curricula prior to Grade Six.  I have quite a few students in grades three to five who are very capable and interested in the subject.  They loved building the twelve district M-Bots that our school received and they enjoyed learning how to program and move them around.