MATTAWA — Students at Wahluke Junior High School have a new opportunity this year to create apps in a course titled Introduction to Computer Science.

According to STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) teacher Arthur Morken, the course provides students the opportunity to develop their basic computer skills, programming abilities, and digital media understanding.

“I did not know how apps worked until I had to make one,” said Oscar Avalos, a student in the program.

The course was made possible through a grant from Verizon in cooperation with Project Lead the Way. New computers, tablets, and teacher training were all part of the grant funding.

Project Lead The Way is the nation’s leading provider of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. PLTW is helping students develop the skills needed to succeed in the global economy.

In Introduction to Computer Science 1 (ICS 1), students have the opportunity to unleash their creativity. They design their own apps using MIT App Inventor.

In Introduction to Computer Science 2 (ICS 2), students venture into text programming through Python and, in the final problem, develop an app to crowdsource and analyze data on a topic of their own choosing.

“Successful completion of Introduction to Computer Science 1 and 2 positions students well for a transition into PLTW high school-level computer science courses,” Morken said.

In addition, these units serve as the middle school portion of PLTW’s complete K-12 computer science pathway.