Integrating CS into ELA
Here you will find units, lesson plans, and resources from various content areas. These materials show how the principles and practices of computer science can be applied to other subject areas. A math lesson, for example, will also use the term “algorithm” as a set of steps that can be used to solve a problem. Navigate through content areas to find integrated materials that best suit your needs.
Below you’ll find curriculum tools organized by grade band (K-1, 2-3, 4-6, and ALL GRADES). View the dropdown for more details, and click the title link to access the tools.
K - 1
This curriculum unit introduces elementary students to fundamental computer science concepts through engaging and relatable stories and nonfiction works. While no computers or online coding is involved, the carefully chosen books unlock the key ideas of computational thinking in a fun and accessible way. Through this unit, students will be exposed to NY State Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards applicable to their grade level.
ACTIVITY TYPE: Plugged, Unplugged
SUGGESTED DURATION: 6 lessons
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: Literacy
NOTE: This unit can be used for other elementary grades
TEACHER FEATURE
Gwynn White-Best
WAKANDA Unscripted
[Short description here of how this lesson uses Scratch to connect to Dr. Ayana Johnson's work. In need of more details here (re: Scratch, science connections standards, CS skills addressed etc.)]
GRADES 4 - 6 | PLUGGED
2 - 3
The unit will help introduce students to computer science concepts and practices through activities connected to the book Hello Ruby: Adventures in Coding. Using a series of unplugged activities, students will learn about Abstraction, Algorithms, and Programming. Students will begin using the Engineering Design Process to create a recipe and a wireframe prototype of an app.
ACTIVITY TYPE: Plugged, Unplugged
SUGGESTED DURATION: 10 lessons
CS CONCEPTS: Abstraction, Algorithms, Programming
NOTE: Lessons and activities can be scaled up or down using grade specific materials and resources.
4 - 6
This lesson supports the book Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson.
MATERIALS: Slides
ACTIVITY TYPE: Plugged
SUGGESTED DURATION: 1-3 days
CONTENT CONNECTIONS: Literacy
This slide deck offers a companion to Hidden Figure: The story of four black women and the space race.
MATERIALS: Slides
ACTIVITY TYPE: Unplugged
SUGGESTED DURATION: Single lesson
CONTENT CONNECTIONS: ELA
ALL GRADES
This slide deck guides educators through the process of using ELA to teach CS with examples.