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Day 2: Programming Pathway Deep-Dive — Software, Web, App, Game

Lesson Overview
Time 50 minutes
Objectives Explore the Programming and Software Development pathway in depth; research 4 specific programming Hats; complete the H&L Hat Research worksheet for one chosen career
TEKS d(1)(C), d(2)(A)
Deliverable Hat Research worksheet (Ch 12, p. 199) for one programming career
Materials H&L Workbook Ch 12 (p. 199), Chromebooks, projector, BLS Software Developers and Web Developers pages

Warm-Up (5 min)

WARM-UP: If you could create ANY app or video game, what would it be? Who would use it?

Quick share; listen for student passion. Bridge: "The people who actually build that app for you have specific job titles. Today you research them."

Activity 1: Explore 4 Programming Hats in the H&L App (25 min)

Source: H&L Workbook Ch 12, Programming and Software Development pathway (one of the 5 IT pathways listed on p. 192)

[H&L PLATFORM] Students navigate to the Programming and Software Development pathway in the H&L app. They use the Hat Finder to explore four specific Hats, one at a time. For each Hat, they check education requirements, DFW salary, demand level, daily tasks, and rate the Perks/Quirks/Job Gear sections.

The 4 Hats to explore:

  1. Software Developer: Builds applications and computer programs. Most common Hat in this pathway. Typical education: bachelor's in CS, but many bootcamp/self-taught developers exist.
  2. Web Developer: Builds websites and web applications. Splits into Frontend (visual) and Backend (server). Education varies more: bachelor's, associate, certification, or self-taught.
  3. App Developer (Mobile): Builds iOS and Android apps. Specialized subset of software developer. Often requires Swift (iOS) or Kotlin (Android).
  4. Game Developer: Builds video games. Combines coding with art, sound, and game design. Often requires bachelor's in CS or game design plus a portfolio.

Student task: Students spend ~5 minutes per Hat. For each, they write down on a quick reference sheet:

  • Hat name
  • Education needed
  • DFW salary range
  • Demand (growing / steady / declining)
  • One thing that interested them or surprised them

Walk the room and check the reference sheets. Ask: "Which of these 4 Hats is YOUR favorite so far?"

Facilitation Tip

Many students will gravitate to Game Developer because it sounds fun. Mention the reality: game development is one of the most competitive AND lowest-paid programming jobs because so many people want to do it. Software Developer (general) typically pays more and has better work-life balance. Don't kill their dream, just give them the data.

DOK 3: What conclusions can you draw about why Software Developer salaries are higher than Game Developer salaries even though both involve coding?

Activity 2: Hat Research Worksheet — One Programming Career (15 min)

Source: H&L Workbook Ch 12, p. 199, Hat Research template

Open the workbook to page 199. The Hat Research template (used in every chapter) has six fields. Students choose ONE of the 4 programming Hats they explored and complete the template:

  • Name of Career
  • What Interests You?
  • Brief Job Description
  • Education / Training Needed
  • Average Salary
  • What Tools, Equipment, or Skills are Needed for This Career?

[H&L PLATFORM] The workbook (Ch 12, p. 199) directs students: "Go to the Hats & Ladders app and click on the Hat Finder. Explore Hats in the 'Information Technology' career cluster. Choose one Hat and fill out the information below." Students pull each field directly from the H&L app's career profile.

For the "What Tools, Equipment, or Skills" field, push students to be specific: - Software Developer: programming languages (Python, Java, C++), version control (Git), an IDE (VS Code), problem-solving, debugging - Web Developer: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks (React, Vue), responsive design - App Developer: Swift or Kotlin, mobile UI design, app store publishing - Game Developer: Unity or Unreal Engine, C# or C++, art tools, sound design

Exit Ticket (5 min)

EXIT TICKET (Mini-Case / Scenario Application) · Printable PDF:

Scenario: A local Irving business wants to hire ONE person to build a mobile game that teaches kids to read. The app must work on iPhones AND Androids.

  1. Which programming career from today (Software Developer, Web Developer, App Developer, or Game Developer) would you recommend for this job, and why? Use one fact from your Hat Research.

My pick: _____

Why: ____________

  1. Name ONE specific tool or programming language this person will use on the job: _____

  2. In one sentence, explain how that tool connects to what the business needs (an app that works on iPhones AND Androids). (d(1)(C), d(2)(A))

Differentiation

  • Support: Pre-print a Hat Research worksheet with one example career filled in (Web Developer with HTML, CSS, JavaScript). Students complete a different career using the example as a model.
  • Extension: Students who finish early research a 5th programming Hat not on the list: Data Scientist, DevOps Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, or Backend Engineer.
  • ELL: Bilingual programming vocabulary card: Lenguaje de programación = Programming language, Aplicación = App, Página web = Web page, Desarrollador = Developer.