Computer Science
Did you know Virginia has the highest concentration of computer science jobs in the country? In 2017, the VDOE adopted the Computer Science Standards of Learning to meet the growing need in our state, making Virginia the first state to mandate computer science. These SOLs aim to give students in Virginia a foundation in understanding computers, computational thinking, algorithmic processes, and a better understanding of the applications and impact technology has on our society. The following websites have resources to help meet these goals.
RCPS Computer Science Resources
The RCPS Digital Citizenship curriculum is provided though Common Sense Media which supports an integrated, ongoing approach to educating good digital citizens. Grade level lessons are also available through Nearpod's RCPS district library.
Elementary Computer Science Lessons
Below are collections of content integrated lessons designed by Elementary ITRTs to meet each strand of the elementary computer science SOLs.
Kindergarten Lessons1st Grade Lessons2nd Grade Lessons3rd Grade Lessons4th Grade Lessons 5th Grade Lessons
Through a REFI grant, a library of books is available via ITRTs supporting computer science concepts and skills.
Request support from ITRTs to learn how RCPS STEM tools can be used to meet the computer science standards. Several tools are housed in school buildings, while others are available via ITRTs.
More Computer Science Web Resources
This website includes curriculum resources for teaching digital citizenship, as well ed tech reviews.
RCPS teachers have access to many content related lessons in Nearpod, including a robust collection on Digital Citizenship and Literacy.
A national, non-profit dedicated to expanding access to CS for all students, especially access for those less represented int he field. Among their vast resources, Code.org offers full courses at various levels.
Sponsored by Code.org, Hour of Code is a collection of one hour tutorials by many different companies, designed to give students a short experience with coding.
Explore Code with Google resources that foster computer science skills. Many of these are geared for fourth grade and up. Resources from Google include programs such as CS First curriculum, Applied Digital skills activities, and more!
Be internet awesome with Google! Students will learn fundamentals about how to navigate the internet safely through play. Corresponding curriculum lessons are available.
ScratchJr is a free coding platform for early elementary students. It is a symbols based block coding tool used to make creative programs. It is recommended for RCPS students in grades PreK-3 using iPads, but is also available through the Google Play Store on Chromebooks.
Scratch is a free, creative coding platform for students on Chromebooks. Students can use more advanced block coding to create animations, games, and stories! Look for the Scratch app in the all apps area or set up a class and use within Google's CS First. Scratch is also compatible with Makey Makeys, Micro:bits, LEGO WeDo 2.0, and more!
Brainpop
Brainprop's library includes many computer science related topics. Brainpop is a paid RCPS resource, and students in grades PreK - 8th grade have access via Clever.
Epic provides K-6th teachers and students with free access to thousands of high quality books, including many on topics related to computer science.