Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field.
Host an Hour of Code
The Hour of Code is a free introduction to computer science through fun activities and videos for learners of all skill levels. This year's celebration of both coding and AI is supported by over 400 partners, 20,000 educators, and 58,000 volunteers.
This year, we're taking Hour of Code to new heights by offering coding opportunities that encompass both artificial intelligence (AI) and non-AI components. Whether you or your students are experienced coders or you all are setting out on your very first computer science expedition, this Hour of Code promises an extraordinary voyage.
No experience is necessary to run an Hour of Code! Students can use a tablet, laptop, desktop computer or mobile device, and no signup or login is required (signing up for the Hour of Code does not automatically create a code.org account).
Before the Hour of Code
2. Choose your activities
Dive into music with Music Lab: Jam Session, get moving with Minecraft's The Show Must Go On, or explore movies/pop culture in Sprite Lab with Hello World: Transformers One. There's something for every interest!
3. Plan your event
Try your chosen activities beforehand
Ensure devices and space are adequate
4. Plan your hour
Consider showing students an inspirational video before they begin
5. Spread the word
Ask two other colleagues to register
Print off posters to share around the school
Consider hosting a school-wide event
Reach out to parents and let them know what their children are learning
Day of the Hour of Code
1. Get coding
Direct students to the activity
Support students through challenges - learning to program is like learning a new language; you won't be fluent right away, and that's okay!
2. Celebrate
Printable certificates are available here
Share photos/videos to show off your students' achievements
Scratch Hour of Code Activities
Livestream Create-Along Event!
Create a Scratch project with your class, live with Gitanjali Rao on December 10!
Register here.
Activity 1 : Invention Station
Create a Scratch project that shares the design of your invention and the invention’s goal or purpose through text and/or a voice recording, inspired by Gitanjali’s innovation process.
Activity 2: Kindness Community
Create a Scratch project to share a message of kindness, Inspired by Gitanjali’s innovative approach to anti-bullying efforts for young people around the world.
Minecraft Hour of Code
This is the 10th anniversary of Minecraft Hour of Code and our partnership with Code.org.
Step into the theater to save the day in Minecraft Hour of Code: The Show Must Go On! Find the show's missing star, unlock hidden gags, and interact with an ensemble cast. Help the Agent overcome stage fright as you solve coding puzzles backstage. Watch your coding skills shine in an epic final performance!
If you are new to Minecraft Education, check out their Teacher Academy. Contact Technology Services to get Minecraft Education installed on your Chromebooks.
Google's Applied Digital Skills Lessons
Discover AI in Daily Life - Learn about the benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence while exploring Quick, Draw!, AutoDraw, Google Translate, and Google Slides.
Explore a Topic: Generative AI - Research an artificial intelligence topic of your choice and create a project to share what you learn with others.
Code a Joke-Telling Talkbot - Students will use code to write a program in Apps Script to create a joke-telling talkbot.
Additional lessons can be found here.
Try Unplugged Activities
If digital resources might be a factor in you deciding whether or not to take part in this week, some of the resources on this website may show how you can have an Hour of Code, or even the entire week, without needing computers for your class throughout the week.
You could also peruse this list of books and stories that touch on the impacts of computing and are suitable for Kindergarten to Grade 9.
These activities are ideal for Kindergarten to Grade 6 students.
Past Computer Science Education Week Events