Computer Science Education Week is approaching! This global movement, especially the Hour of Code Event, is a way to introduce students to coding and computer science in a fun and engaging way, from pre-K-12th grade. Did you know that during the Hour of Code, female students make up 50% of all participants, and that students learn in over 45 languages?
Check out this introductory video for more information:
Computational thinking supports social-emotional learning and skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and persistence and can be integrated into any content area. No computer science experience is needed to introduce your students to coding! Read on for some ways to celebrate Hour of Code with your students.
Attend an ISD Hour of Code PD Event:
In this class, you’ll learn more about Hour of Code and get a chance to try out coding activities targeted to your grade level. We’re pretty sure you’ll come away jazzed and confident about implementing one or more of these excellent learning opportunities in your classroom. Sign up now in True North Logic (course 11679).
When: Friday, November 18 from 7:30 – 8:30 am OR Tuesday, November 22 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm
Where: Zoom
Who: Teachers grades K – 5 and librarians
What: Hour of Code! (Tech pay and STEM clock hour available)
Participate in Hour of Code with Code.org:
Through Clever, teachers and students have access to Code.org. Syncing your Clever section to Code.org will allow you to assign a specific course to students, as well as see their progress. Directions for syncing your Clever section to Code.org are linked here!
The document “How to plan your Hour of Code” has recommendations and ideas for integrating Hour of Code into your classroom. If you are planning to assign your students a specific course (series of lessons) and save their progress, below are the grade-level recommendations. You assign the course in your Code.org dashboard once your Clever class is synced.
- Course A (for K) or the “Pre-Reader Express Course”
- Course B (for 1st)
- Course C (for 2nd)
- Course D (for 3rd)
- Course E (for 4th)
- Course F (for 5th)
If you prefer to have your students do more open exploration of Code.org tutorials, below are recommendations for elementary grade bands. Note that these tutorials do not require logging in (and thus will not save student progress):
- K-1: Code Monkey Jr., Beaver Achiever, Space Quest
- 2-3: Dragon Blast, Mystery Island, Grinch
- 4-5: Dance Party, Harry Potter Coding Challenges, Space Adventure
Learn about Computer Science through BrainPOP:
BrainPOP, another one of our ISD core tools, has engaging videos, related reading, creative coding, and more connected activities that introduce students to a variety of topics within computer science. Did you know that Hour of Code recognizes the birthday of computing pioneer Grace Hopper (born December 9th, 1906)? Students can explore her biography or a wide variety of other topics.
Remember, we also have our Ed Tech Lending Library with Ozobots, Makey Makey, and more! Don’t hesitate to reach out to your Ed Tech TOSA for support in using these materials to extend your Hour of Code learning for students. Happy Coding!
BITS AND PIECES 