Embedded Files
Standards: https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CIS-FINAL_V2.pdf
Scope and sequence: https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/NEK12Tech.pdf
Professional groups:
Nebraska chapter: https://nebraskahuskers.csteachers.org/
National Chapter: https://members.csteachers.org/
Code.org
Code.org is a great FREE site to teach computer programming. It is great to use as a course, or as a one-time activity time filler with Hour of Code Activities.
Scratch:
Scratch is a great FREE site. I find that I don't use it as much because I forget it exists. Similar to code.org it is a place to play with code and make things do stuff. Kids love when a sprite does what it's told. https://scratch.mit.edu/
I did try to do this with video tutorials as a group a major flop. I would either do this as an independent pace activity with PDF directions or they have access to the videos so they can move at their own pace. I find when I try to control the speed it si miserable for everyone.
Turtle Stitch
How awesome would it be if you were able to take the code right off the screen and hold it in your hand.?! You can with turtlestitch.org. It has been a long time since I have used this platform but here is what I remember. Your students go in and write code to create images. This is a great way to reinforce angles, and measurement in math. When the code is written students can save it and use it on the embroidery machine to make the code stitch on material. Combine this with storytelling from Science activity or Language Arts and each student has a square to a quilt.
Culturally Situated Design Tools
Culturally Situated Design Tools
https://csdt.org/computing/ ( culturally situated design tools) is a great site that really looks at computers, culture, math, and science through cultural lenses. This is just a tiny peak at what it has to offer.
Girls who code:
This is a club-based coding group for GIRLS! I am still learning about this program and I am super excited to hear my girls talking about what we will be doing! https://girlswhocode.com/
https://www.girlswhocodegirls.com/ Coding characters is a real skill and women are underrepresented in the field. Here girls get to code an avatar they feel represents them.
CodeCrush:
This is an awesome activity for girls and female-identifying students. University of Nebraska Omaha hosts Girls for a multi-day immersion experience. The accepted girls get opportunities to meet professionals in the tech world, visit businesses, and of course, make friends. Meanwhile, teachers have the opportunity to connect with other Computer Science teachers, visit businesses, and learn other ways to integrate tech in the classroom. I truly recommend this program even if you have one student interested it is worth the investment. https://codecrush.unomaha.edu/
Project Guts
Project Guts
I have not gone deep into this project yet. However, it looks like it can definitely be a great spring board for integrating meaningful STEAM concepts.
Unplugged resources:
Unplugged refers to teaching computer sciences without a computer. It is essential to learn the soft skills of computer programming before diving right into the computer-based stuff.
CT Bins UNO: UNO has cultivated the materials for all of these Computational Thinking Bins to borrow! They are great activities for your classroom. The good news is you have access to these resources even if you can't get there to borrow them. The resources needed are easy to come by and activities are easy to implement.
Also, did you know UNO has chrome books and ROBOTS?! Even better you can borrow them for FREE. The P12 lending library on this link has a list of what is available.
CS unplugged:
This site is FULL of resources to do with your class. The resources are FREE, however, don't forget some may need materials. What I love about this resource is you do not need a computer to make the activities work. There is a plugging-it-in option that I have not yet explored but it is an exciting way to bridge the two. My personal opinion is to find the classic button at the bottom. For some reason, I am drawn to it.
https://www.csunplugged.org/en/
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