Middle School Specials

Code.org is a website dedicated to K-12 computer science (CS) instruction, from coursework to advocacy. The site is geared toward increasing diversity in computer science, preparing new CS teachers, adding computer science to school curricula, and helping to set up policies that support computer science. Code.org offers five free CS courses, from the 14-lesson Pre-reader Express to CS Principles, a yearlong AP-level course.

Soundtrap is a digital audio workstation accessed in any web browser or through a mobile app (Chrome, iOS, and Android). Similar to other digital recording options, it includes pre-recorded loops, multitrack recording, software instruments, voice recording, and the ability to connect MIDI devices.

Autodesk Sketchbook is a full-featured design and creation app with an arsenal of tools for creating digital art, offering tools available in the desktop version with the ease of a sketchbook on an iPad or other tablet.

It is available on Android, iOS, Kindle Fire, Apps for Windows.

SketchUp is a 3-D design tool that can be connected to any content area and is a nice mix of simplicity and complexity. While it's user-friendly as far as digital design tools go, students and teachers will need to watch the introductory videos to get a handle on how things work.