In collaboration with CYBER.org, the lessons below were developed by hundreds of K-8 teachers from across the BT BOCES region (and beyond!) as part of their participation in the Smart Start Program. These lessons were specifically designed to support the NYS Computer Science & Digital Fluency (CSDF) standards by integrating CSDF into both core and encore subjects, with the goal of enhancing student engagement and fostering future-readiness skills across the region.

Throughout Smart Start: Part 1, participants focused on the 3 C’s of Cyber Success: Coding, Computational Thinking, and Cybersecurity Awareness. Teachers created lessons that seamlessly incorporated one of the 3 C’s into their specific content area. Due to strong regional interest, Smart Start: Part 2 expanded its focus to include topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Media Literacy, which were integrated into a diverse range of content areas, including math, art, reading, and even PE!

Because these lessons were developed and implemented in real classrooms by teachers within the region, they reflect a wide variety of perspectives and teaching styles. These lessons are being made available to the public as a valuable resource for educators who are interested in this work but may need a starting point. All materials included here are free to use, copy, adapt, and implement by anyone across NYS. We hope you find these resources inspiring and that they help you bring these exciting topics into your teaching.