Computer Science Essentials

What is Computer Science Essentials?

With emphasis on computational thinking and collaboration, this course provides an excellent entry point for students to begin or continue the PLTW Computer Science PreK-12 experience. Computer Science Essentials will expose students to a diverse set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain understanding and build confidence.

In Computer Science Essentials, students will use visual, block-based programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such as Python to create apps and develop websites, and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. They’ll apply computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them.

Units of Study

Unit 1 - Creative Computing: Building with Blocks

Unit 2 - Computing and Society - Transitions to Text

Unit 3 - Solving with Syntax

Unit 4 - Computing with a Purpose