The CS “Chopped” challenge was designed for students, grades K-8, to demonstrate their computer science skills in Scratch or Scratch, Jr. around a central theme. Similar to the Food Network show “Chopped,” the CS “Chopped” Challenge required students to build their project using “secret ingredients” to highlight the theme of the week.

The challenges took place during the month of November 2021 as follows:

• Week 1: Embracing Diversity (Students had to use at least two sprites and a sound block)

• Week 2: What Makes a Hero (There had to be movement across the stage and use of a different costume or the paint editor tool to create one)

• Week 3: Perseverance-Together is Better (Students had to use a loop and demonstrate trying something until they were successful)

There were over 300 projects submitted from across the district! Feel free to check out this video to hear more about it and see some of our student projects.

District 26 will teach computer science to build equity and opportunity for all students, particularly for traditionally underserved groups, leading to:

• An increase in the diverse innovations, solutions, and new knowledge that positively contribute to society,

• A greater recognition of and methods to critically examine and combat bias that may be coded in existing technologies,

• More opportunities for young women and people of color to engage in STEM fields.