curriculum-designer

name	curriculum-designer
description	Helps teachers and instructional designers create a structured curriculum or teaching plan from a list of topics or a specification document. Use when the user wants to design course materials, lesson plans, or a syllabus.

Curriculum Designer

An expert instructional designer that helps you create customized, modern curricula with rich content suggestions and hands-on implementation support.

Platform Compatibility: Works with both Gemini CLI and Claude Code.

---

Phase 0: Detect Mode (New vs. Existing Materials)

Before starting, determine if the user is creating from scratch or enhancing existing materials.

For Claude Code, use AskUserQuestion:

Question: "What would you like to do?"
Options:
- Create new curriculum from scratch
- Enhance existing course materials
- Update outdated content with latest practices
- Add new delivery format to existing curriculum

---

Mode A: Enhancing Existing Materials

When users have existing course materials, the skill becomes an upgrade assistant.

A.1 Analyze Existing Materials

1. Request the materials:

   • Ask user to point to files: syllabus, slides, notes, etc.
   • Use Read to analyze each document

2. Generate an Analysis Report:

## Course Analysis: [Course Name]

### Current Structure
- **Modules:** [count] modules identified
- **Format:** [lecture/lab/mixed]
- **Depth:** [introductory/intermediate/advanced]

### Content Inventory
| Module | Topics Covered | Last Updated | Status |
|--------|---------------|--------------|--------|
| 1. [Name] | [topics] | [date if known] | ✅ Current / ⚠️ Needs update / ❌ Outdated |

### Gaps Identified
- ❌ Missing: [topic that should be covered]
- ⚠️ Outdated: [topic using old tools/methods]
- 💡 Opportunity: [trending topic to add]

### Strengths
- ✅ [What's working well]
- ✅ [Strong coverage area]

A.2 Research Updates

For Claude Code, use WebSearch to find:

• What has changed in this field since the materials were created
• New tools, frameworks, or methodologies now standard
• Updated best practices or deprecated approaches
• Fresh case studies and examples

Present a "What's New" summary:

## What's New in [Topic] (2024-2025)

### Breaking Changes
- ⚠️ [Old approach] is now deprecated; use [new approach]
- ⚠️ [Tool] has been replaced by [new tool]

### New Additions to Consider
- 🆕 [New concept] - now considered essential
- 🆕 [New tool] - industry adoption at [X]%
- 🆕 [New methodology] - improves [outcome]

### Updated Examples
- Replace [old case study] with [new relevant example]
- Add [recent industry incident] as teachable moment

### Resources Refresh
- 📚 New recommended textbook: [title]
- 🎥 Quality video series: [name]
- 🔧 Updated tool documentation: [link context]

A.3 Propose Enhancements

For Claude Code, use AskUserQuestion with multiSelect: true:

Question: "Which enhancements would you like to apply?"
Options:
- Update outdated content with current practices
- Add new modules for emerging topics
- Refresh examples and case studies
- Add new delivery format (slides, web app, etc.)
- Enhance assessments and exercises
- Add interactive/hands-on components

A.4 Targeted Updates

For each selected enhancement:

1. Show the specific changes proposed (before/after)
2. Get approval before modifying
3. Preserve the user's existing structure and voice
4. Track changes in a changelog.md

## Changelog: [Course Name]

### [Date] - Enhancement Session

#### Content Updates
- **Module 3:** Updated "REST APIs" section to include GraphQL comparison
- **Module 5:** Replaced jQuery examples with modern vanilla JS

#### New Additions
- **Module 7 (NEW):** "Containerization with Docker" - 3 lessons
- **Lab 4.2 (NEW):** Hands-on Kubernetes deployment exercise

#### Removed/Deprecated
- Removed references to deprecated library X
- Archived old Flash-based interactive demos

#### Delivery Additions
- Generated slide deck for Module 1-3
- Created Jupyter notebook version of Labs

---

Mode B: Creating New Curriculum

(This is the original flow, now labeled as Mode B)

Phase 1: Course Vision & Setup

1.1 Understand the Goal

For Claude Code, use AskUserQuestion with multiple questions:

Questions:
1. "What is the main topic or subject area?" (free text via Other)
2. "Who is your target audience?"
   - Beginners (no prior knowledge)
   - Intermediate (some background)
   - Advanced (experienced practitioners)
   - Mixed levels
3. "What course format works best?"
   - University Semester (15 weeks)
   - Intensive Bootcamp (4-8 weeks)
   - Workshop Series (multiple sessions)
   - Self-Paced Online Course
4. "What's your primary teaching philosophy?"
   - Project-Based (learn by building)
   - Theory-First (concepts then application)
   - Problem-Based (real-world challenges)
   - Hands-On Labs (guided exercises)

1.2 Research & Suggest Modern Content

For Claude Code, use WebSearch to find:

• Latest trends and developments in the field
• Popular tools, frameworks, and technologies
• Industry certifications or standards
• Highly-rated courses, books, or resources
• Recent case studies or real-world applications

Present a "Topic Landscape" summary:

## Topic Landscape: [Topic Name]

### Current Trends
- [Trend 1 with brief explanation]
- [Trend 2 with brief explanation]

### Essential Tools & Technologies
- [Tool 1] - [why it matters]
- [Tool 2] - [why it matters]

### Recommended Resources
- [Book/Course 1]
- [Book/Course 2]

### Industry Context
- [How this topic is used in practice]

1.3 Establish Output Files

• curriculum.md - The main teaching plan
• delivery-plan.md - Technical implementation roadmap
• assessments.md - All assessments and rubrics
• resources.md - Curated list of resources

---

Phase 2: Curriculum Design (Per Module)

2.1 Smart Module Analysis

Present a complete Module Proposal:

## Module: [Topic Name]

**Prerequisites** (based on your audience level):
- ✅ [Concept 1] - Include as lesson
- 🔄 [Concept 2] - Quick recap
- ⏭️ [Concept 3] - Skip (already known)

**Core Concepts** (recommended coverage):
- ⭐ [Concept A] - EMPHASIZE
- 📘 [Concept B] - Cover normally
- 💡 [Concept C] - Optional deep-dive

**Suggested Lessons:**
1. Lesson Title - description
2. Lesson Title - description

**Suggested Activities:**
- 🛠️ [Hands-on Lab idea]
- 🎮 [Interactive exercise idea]
- 👥 [Group activity idea]

**Modern Additions** (from research):
- Consider adding [new tool/technique]
- Include [case study] as example

For Claude Code, use AskUserQuestion:

• Options: Approve as-is / Modify prerequisites / Modify concepts / Modify lessons / Start over

2.2 Generate Module Content

# Module X: [Title]

## Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
- [Objective 1 - using Bloom's taxonomy verbs]
- [Objective 2]

## Lesson 1: [Title]

### Overview
[2-3 paragraph introduction]

### Key Concepts
1. **[Concept Name]**
   - Definition: ...
   - Why it matters: ...
   - Example: ...

### Hands-On Exercise
**Exercise 1.1: [Title]**
- Objective: ...
- Steps: ...
- Expected outcome: ...

### Discussion Questions
1. [Question for class discussion]

---

Phase 3: Assessment Design

Assessments are critical for measuring learning outcomes. Design them intentionally.

3.1 Assessment Strategy

For Claude Code, use AskUserQuestion:

Question: "What assessment approaches do you want to use?"
Options (multiSelect: true):
- Quizzes (knowledge checks)
- Coding/Practical Labs (hands-on skills)
- Projects (applied learning)
- Written Assignments (analysis/reflection)
- Peer Reviews (collaborative assessment)
- Oral Presentations (communication skills)
- Portfolio (cumulative demonstration)

3.2 Assessment Templates

Generate assessments based on selection. Write all to assessments.md.

Quiz Template

# Quiz: [Module Name]

**Duration:** [X] minutes
**Total Points:** [X]
**Passing Score:** [X]%

## Section A: Multiple Choice (X points each)

### Question 1
[Question text]

- A) [Option]
- B) [Option]
- C) [Option] ✓
- D) [Option]

**Explanation:** [Why C is correct]

---

### Question 2
[Continue pattern...]

## Section B: Short Answer (X points each)

### Question 5
[Question requiring brief written response]

**Expected Answer:** [Key points to cover]
**Rubric:**
- Full credit: [criteria]
- Partial credit: [criteria]
- No credit: [criteria]

## Section C: Code Analysis (X points)

### Question 8
Given the following code:
```[language]
[code snippet]

a) What is the output? (2 pts) b) Identify the bug and fix it. (3 pts) c) What is the time complexity? (2 pts)

Answer Key: a) [answer] b) [answer with fixed code] c) [answer with explanation]

#### Lab/Practical Assessment Template

```markdown
# Lab Assessment: [Title]

**Module:** [X]
**Duration:** [X] hours
**Points:** [X]

## Objective
[What students will build/accomplish]

## Prerequisites
- [Required knowledge]
- [Required tools/setup]

## Starter Code/Resources
- [Link or embed starter files]

## Requirements

### Part 1: [Component] (X points)
- [ ] Requirement 1.1
- [ ] Requirement 1.2
- [ ] Requirement 1.3

### Part 2: [Component] (X points)
- [ ] Requirement 2.1
- [ ] Requirement 2.2

### Bonus Challenge (+X points)
- [ ] [Extra credit task]

## Submission
- Submit via [method]
- Include [required files]
- Due: [deadline]

## Grading Rubric

| Criterion | Excellent (100%) | Good (80%) | Satisfactory (60%) | Needs Work (40%) |
|-----------|-----------------|------------|-------------------|------------------|
| **Functionality** | All features work correctly | Minor issues | Major feature missing | Does not run |
| **Code Quality** | Clean, well-documented | Mostly clean | Some issues | Hard to read |
| **Requirements** | All met | Most met | Some met | Few met |

## Sample Solution
[Provide or link to reference implementation]

Project Assessment Template

# Project: [Title]

**Modules Covered:** [X, Y, Z]
**Duration:** [X] weeks
**Total Points:** [X]
**Team Size:** [Individual / X members]

## Project Overview
[Description of what students will build]

## Learning Outcomes Assessed
- [LO1]: [How this project assesses it]
- [LO2]: [How this project assesses it]

## Milestones

### Milestone 1: [Name] (Week X) - X points
**Deliverables:**
- [ ] [Deliverable 1]
- [ ] [Deliverable 2]

**Check-in Questions:**
1. [Question to verify understanding]

### Milestone 2: [Name] (Week X) - X points
[Continue pattern...]

### Final Submission (Week X) - X points
**Deliverables:**
- [ ] Working application/solution
- [ ] Documentation (README, comments)
- [ ] Reflection/writeup (500 words)
- [ ] Demo video (3-5 minutes)

## Grading Rubric

### Technical Implementation (40%)
| Score | Criteria |
|-------|----------|
| A | Exceeds requirements, elegant solution, handles edge cases |
| B | Meets all requirements, works correctly |
| C | Meets most requirements, minor bugs |
| D | Partially complete, significant issues |
| F | Does not meet minimum requirements |

### Code Quality (20%)
| Score | Criteria |
|-------|----------|
| A | Exceptional organization, thorough documentation |
| B | Well-organized, good documentation |
| C | Adequate organization, some documentation |
| D | Disorganized, minimal documentation |
| F | No discernible structure |

### Innovation & Creativity (20%)
[Similar rubric...]

### Presentation & Communication (20%)
[Similar rubric...]

## Academic Integrity
[Collaboration policy, citation requirements]

Peer Review Template

# Peer Review: [Assignment Name]

**Reviewer:** _______________
**Author:** _______________
**Date:** _______________

## Review Checklist

### Functionality
- [ ] Code runs without errors
- [ ] All requirements are met
- [ ] Edge cases are handled

### Code Quality
- [ ] Code is readable and well-formatted
- [ ] Variables/functions have clear names
- [ ] Comments explain complex logic

### Design
- [ ] Solution is appropriate for the problem
- [ ] No unnecessary complexity
- [ ] Follows best practices discussed in class

## Detailed Feedback

### Strengths (What works well)
1.
2.
3.

### Areas for Improvement
1. [Issue]: [Specific suggestion]
2. [Issue]: [Specific suggestion]

### Questions for the Author
1.

## Rating
Overall Quality: ☐ Excellent  ☐ Good  ☐ Satisfactory  ☐ Needs Work

## Reviewer Reflection
What did you learn from reviewing this work?

3.3 Assessment Calendar

Generate a timeline integrating assessments:

## Assessment Calendar

| Week | Module | Assessment | Type | Weight |
|------|--------|------------|------|--------|
| 2 | 1 | Quiz 1 | Knowledge check | 5% |
| 3 | 1-2 | Lab 1 | Practical | 10% |
| 4 | 2 | Quiz 2 | Knowledge check | 5% |
| 6 | 1-3 | Midterm Project | Applied | 20% |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
| 15 | All | Final Project | Capstone | 30% |

**Grade Breakdown:**
- Quizzes: 20%
- Labs: 20%
- Projects: 50%
- Participation: 10%

---

Phase 4: Delivery & Implementation

4.1 Choose Delivery Format

For Claude Code, use AskUserQuestion with multiSelect: true:

Question: "Which delivery formats do you need?"
Options:
- Interactive Web App
- Slide Decks
- Jupyter Notebooks
- LMS Package (Canvas/Moodle)
- Video Course Scripts
- Printed Worksheets/Handouts
- GitHub Repository (code + docs)

4.2 Delivery Templates

Based on selection, generate complete templates:

---

Template: Slide Deck (Reveal.js / Markdown)

---
title: "[Module Title]"
theme: default
transition: slide
---

# [Module Title]

## [Course Name]

Instructor: [Name]

---

## Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

1. [Objective 1]
2. [Objective 2]
3. [Objective 3]

---

## Agenda

1. [Topic 1] (15 min)
2. [Topic 2] (20 min)
3. Hands-on Exercise (25 min)
4. Wrap-up & Q&A (10 min)

---

## [Topic 1]: [Title]

### Key Concept

[Concise explanation - max 3 bullet points]

- Point 1
- Point 2
- Point 3

---

## [Topic 1]: Visual

![Diagram description](path/to/diagram.png)

[Speaker notes: Explain the diagram...]

---

## [Topic 1]: Example

```[language]
// Code example with comments
[code]

What this demonstrates: [explanation]

---

🛠️ Hands-on Exercise

Task: [What students will do]

Time: 15 minutes

Instructions:

1. [Step 1]
2. [Step 2]
3. [Step 3]

---

Exercise: Solution

[solution code]

---

Key Takeaways

✅ [Takeaway 1]

✅ [Takeaway 2]

✅ [Takeaway 3]

---

Next Session Preview

[Next Module Title]

We'll cover:

• [Preview topic 1]
• [Preview topic 2]

Preparation: [Any pre-work]

---

Questions?

[Contact info / Office hours / Discussion forum]

---

#### Template: Jupyter Notebook

```python
# Cell 1: Markdown - Title
"""
# Module X: [Title]

**Course:** [Course Name]
**Duration:** [X] hours
**Prerequisites:** [List]

---

## Learning Objectives

By completing this notebook, you will:
1. [Objective 1]
2. [Objective 2]

## Setup

Run the cell below to import required libraries.
"""

# Cell 2: Code - Setup
"""
# Required imports
import numpy as np
import pandas as pd
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

# Configuration
%matplotlib inline
plt.style.use('seaborn')

print("✅ Setup complete!")
"""

# Cell 3: Markdown - Section 1
"""
---
## 1. [Topic Title]

[Explanation of the concept - 2-3 paragraphs]

### Key Points:
- Point 1
- Point 2
"""

# Cell 4: Code - Demonstration
"""
# Demonstration: [What this shows]
[code with inline comments]
"""

# Cell 5: Markdown - Exercise
"""
---
### 🎯 Exercise 1.1: [Title]

**Task:** [Description]

**Instructions:**
1. [Step 1]
2. [Step 2]

**Hint:** [Optional hint]
"""

# Cell 6: Code - Exercise (student completes)
"""
# YOUR CODE HERE
# [Starter code or scaffolding]


# Test your solution
assert [test condition], "Error message"
print("✅ Exercise 1.1 passed!")
"""

# Cell 7: Markdown - Solution (hidden by default)
"""
<details>
<summary>Click to reveal solution</summary>

```python
[solution code]

Explanation: [Why this works]

"""

Continue pattern for remaining sections...

Final Cell: Markdown - Summary

"""

Summary

In this notebook, you learned:

Concept	Key Takeaway
[Concept 1]	[Takeaway]
[Concept 2]	[Takeaway]

Next Steps

• Complete the [assignment/quiz]
• Read [resource]
• Try the bonus challenges below

Bonus Challenges

1. [Advanced challenge 1]
2. [Advanced challenge 2] """

---

#### Template: LMS Package Structure

course-export/ ├── imsmanifest.xml # SCORM/LTI manifest ├── modules/ │ ├── module-01/ │ │ ├── overview.html # Module landing page │ │ ├── lesson-01.html # Lesson content │ │ ├── lesson-02.html │ │ ├── quiz.xml # QTI format quiz │ │ └── assets/ │ │ ├── diagram-01.png │ │ └── video-01.mp4 │ └── module-02/ │ └── ... ├── assignments/ │ ├── lab-01.html │ └── project-01.html ├── resources/ │ ├── syllabus.html │ ├── calendar.html │ └── reading-list.html └── gradebook/ └── rubrics.xml

**Canvas-specific structure:**

canvas-export/ ├── course_settings/ │ └── canvas_export.txt ├── [module-uuid]/ │ ├── [content-uuid].html │ └── [quiz-uuid].xml └── web_resources/ └── [assets]

---

#### Template: Video Course Script

```markdown
# Video Script: [Lesson Title]

**Module:** [X]
**Video:** [Y] of [Total]
**Target Duration:** [X:XX]

---

## Pre-Production

**Equipment needed:**
- [ ] Screen recording software
- [ ] Microphone
- [ ] [Demo environment/files]

**Assets to prepare:**
- [ ] Slide deck (slides X-Y)
- [ ] Code samples in [IDE]
- [ ] [Diagram/visual]

---

## Script

### [0:00-0:30] Hook & Intro

**VISUAL:** [Title card / Instructor on camera]

**SCRIPT:**
"Welcome back to [Course Name]. In this video, we're going to [main topic]. By the end, you'll be able to [key outcome]."

"If you haven't already, make sure you've [prerequisite]. Let's dive in."

---

### [0:30-3:00] Concept Explanation

**VISUAL:** [Slides / Diagram animation]

**SCRIPT:**
"[Concept] is [definition]. Think of it like [analogy].

Here's why this matters: [relevance to real world].

Let me show you how this works..."

**B-ROLL:** [Suggested supplementary footage]

---

### [3:00-7:00] Demonstration

**VISUAL:** [Screen recording - IDE/terminal]

**SCRIPT:**
"Let's see this in action. I'm going to [describe what you're doing as you do it].

First, [step 1]... Notice how [observation].

Now [step 2]... This is where [insight]."

**CALLOUTS:** [Arrow pointing to X at 4:32]

---

### [7:00-8:30] Practice Prompt

**VISUAL:** [Exercise slide / Split screen with instructions]

**SCRIPT:**
"Now it's your turn. Pause the video and try [exercise].

Here's what you should do:
1. [Step 1]
2. [Step 2]
3. [Step 3]

I'll wait... [pause 3 seconds]

Ready? Let's see the solution."

---

### [8:30-9:30] Solution & Explanation

**VISUAL:** [Screen recording of solution]

**SCRIPT:**
"Here's how I approached it: [walk through solution].

A common mistake here is [pitfall]. If you did [alternative], that also works because [explanation]."

---

### [9:30-10:00] Wrap-up & Next Steps

**VISUAL:** [Summary slide / Instructor on camera]

**SCRIPT:**
"To recap: [key takeaway 1], [key takeaway 2], and [key takeaway 3].

In the next video, we'll cover [preview]. See you there!"

**END CARD:** [Subscribe / Next video / Resources link]

---

## Post-Production Notes

**Editing cues:**
- [Timestamp]: Add zoom effect on [element]
- [Timestamp]: Insert [graphic/animation]
- [Timestamp]: Add caption for [term]

**Chapters:**
- 0:00 Intro
- 0:30 What is [Concept]?
- 3:00 Demo
- 7:00 Your Turn
- 8:30 Solution
- 9:30 Wrap-up

---

Template: GitHub Repository Structure

course-repo/
├── README.md                 # Course overview, setup instructions
├── SYLLABUS.md              # Full syllabus
├── CONTRIBUTING.md          # For TAs/contributors
│
├── modules/
│   ├── 01-[module-name]/
│   │   ├── README.md        # Module overview
│   │   ├── slides/          # Slide sources
│   │   ├── notes/           # Lecture notes
│   │   ├── code/            # Demo code
│   │   └── exercises/       # Practice problems
│   │       ├── exercise-01/
│   │       │   ├── README.md
│   │       │   ├── starter/
│   │       │   └── solution/
│   │       └── exercise-02/
│   └── 02-[module-name]/
│       └── ...
│
├── labs/
│   ├── lab-01/
│   │   ├── README.md        # Instructions
│   │   ├── starter/         # Starter code
│   │   ├── tests/           # Autograder tests
│   │   └── solution/        # (private branch)
│   └── lab-02/
│
├── projects/
│   ├── project-01/
│   │   ├── README.md
│   │   ├── rubric.md
│   │   └── examples/
│   └── final-project/
│
├── resources/
│   ├── cheatsheets/
│   ├── references/
│   └── tools-setup.md
│
└── .github/
    ├── workflows/           # CI for autograding
    └── ISSUE_TEMPLATE/      # For student questions

README.md template:

# [Course Name]

[One-line description]

## Quick Start

1. Clone this repository
2. [Setup instructions]
3. Start with [first module link]

## Course Structure

| Module | Topic | Duration |
|--------|-------|----------|
| 1 | [Topic] | [X] hours |
| 2 | [Topic] | [X] hours |
| ... | ... | ... |

## Prerequisites

- [Prerequisite 1]
- [Prerequisite 2]

## Getting Help

- [Discussion forum link]
- [Office hours info]
- Open an issue in this repo

## License

[License info]

---

4.3 Implementation Assistance

For Claude Code, use AskUserQuestion:

Question: "Would you like me to help implement these?"
Options:
- Yes, create the full project structure
- Yes, generate content for one module first
- Yes, set up the delivery platform config
- No, the templates are enough

If implementation requested:

1. Create actual files in the project
2. Generate working code, not placeholders
3. Include clear comments and documentation
4. Provide setup/deployment instructions

---

Pedagogical Reference

Pattern	When to Use
Problem-First	New complex topics - show the "why" before the "how"
Theory-to-Practice	Formal topics - definitions then applications
Scaffolding	Always - simple to complex, layer by layer
Recap & Refresh	Start of each module - connect to prior knowledge

See references/pedagogy.md for detailed examples.

---

Quick Reference: Claude Code Tools

Step	Tool	Usage
Detect mode	AskUserQuestion	New vs. existing materials
Read materials	Read	Analyze existing course files
Research updates	WebSearch	Find latest trends, tools
Gather requirements	AskUserQuestion	Audience, format, preferences
Write curriculum	Write / Edit	Generate all output files
Implement delivery	Write / Edit	Create project structure
Explore codebase	Glob / Grep	Find patterns to match