New-to-CS Teachers

WELCOME TO PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS, A.K.A., COMPUTER SCIENCE!

What is your first reaction to the words “computer science”? Do you see images of programmers or hackers in your mind? Perhaps a screen with lines of code? Sure, that’s part of it. However, at the basic level--definitely at the elementary school level--the foundations of CS are much more simple. 

Students build their vocabulary and skill set to a place where they can eventually start coding, but computer science as a whole will task them to apply strategies toward solving problems first. As you explore the materials here, you may find that many of the learning outcomes in these lessons echo what you are already teaching.  

If you’re just starting out with implementing computer science in your teaching, you’re in the right place. Here you will find fully developed lesson and unit plans from the CS4All curriculum for grades K-5. 

Some items you may see:

• Intro to Computer Science

  • • Explore questions like “What is a computer?” and “How does a computer work?”

    • Learn concepts like pattern recognition, computational thinking, and algorithmic thinking

    • Devices are not necessary

• Intro to Animated Genres

  • • Explore the age-appropriate coding platform, Scratch Junior 

    • Apply computer science concepts toward writing, building, and debugging code

    • Devices needed

• CS is Problem Solving

  • • Explore the evolution of technology and the impacts of pioneers in the field

    • Strengthen problem-solving skills by drawing on real life and interdisciplinary connections to design impactful computer systems

    • Tasks include unplugged (not on the computer) and plugged (on the computer) activities

    • Devices needed