What is Computer Science?

The easiest way to explain computer science is understanding that computer science is the study of computers and how computer technology can be used to solve problems. Computer science’s ways of thinking, problem solving, and creating have become invaluable to all parts of life and are important beyond ensuring that we have enough skilled technology workers. Envision a future in which students are informed citizens who can:

• critically engage in public discussion on computer science topics;

• develop as learners, users, and creators of computer science knowledge and artifacts;

• better understand the role of computing in the world around them; and

• learn, perform, and express themselves in other subjects and interests.

Oklahoma developed their own computer science standards that encompasses necessary foundational concepts and

corresponding practices that ensure opportunities for success in our increasingly

competitive, globally connected economy. The standards are divided into these five key concept areas:

-Computing Systems

-Networks and the Internet

-Data Analysis

-Algorithms and Programming

-Impacts of Computing

Resources:

Best Apps and Websites for Learning Programming and Coding

https://scratch.mit.edu/

https://code.org/

https://csfirst.withgoogle.com/s/en/home

https://codehs.com/

https://www.kodable.com/

https://www.codecademy.com/

https://twinery.org/ (middle/high school)

https://www.tynker.com/

https://educators.brainpop.com/learning-activities-support-resources/creative-coding-teaching-resources/

https://www.raspberrypi.org/

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/makecode

https://hourofcode.com/us

https://gocoderz.com/courses/amazon-cyber-robotics-challenge/ Amazon Coding Robotics Challenge-GREAT FUN!!!

Computer Science Lesson Plans & Ideas:

1. Code.org videos are a great tool to use in the classroom. The videos have everything from introducing key content, showing diverse individuals in computer science, and interesting careers choices. Students can journal after watching a video or students can complete an exit ticket. Students could also research information about the career or make a short video pretending to be in the shoes of that professional.

2. I have students complete the Scratch BootUp lessons 1-2 times a week. Students have the videos and slides to help guide them, but I also demonstrate the exact lesson and follow along with them. We begin the first of the year completing these lessons together. I create studios in Scratch where students share their projects and I can see them. I post exactly what I want to see in their project. I have a Must Do list and May Do list for each activity.

3. Once students are catching onto Scratch, I introduce an ongoing vocabulary activity in Scratch. Students must code sprites to teach about the different computer science vocabulary. I have a list of vocabulary terms for students and they might have to add 3 that day or 5. Students will continue adding on this vocabulary throughout the year. You can also incorporate other subjects this way by having students code sprites to teach about a topic or content area. Students can also work on dialogue and storytelling skills by coding sprites.