New-to-CS Curriculum Tools
Here you will find curriculum materials developed by the CS4All team specifically for educators who are new to computer science. Find a unit that best fits your needs. They offer a variety of approaches to computer science. You will find unplugged (no device needed) and plugged (device needed) activities within each unit. Within the folders you will find lesson plans, student-facing slide decks, resource materials, and translations.
The curriculum tools below are 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
Introduction to Computer Science
This unit introduces students to the idea of computers and computing by posing questions such as “What is a computer?” and “How do computers work?" Students learn about the different parts of a computer and their functions (hardware, software, etc.). Each folder contains all of the resources required to deliver computer science education to your students. Lesson plans, digital handouts, slide decks, and more are included!
MATERIALS: Unit Overview, Lessons, Handouts, Slides, Assessments
ACTIVITY TYPE: Plugged, Unplugged
SUGGESTED DURATION: 10 lessons, 30-45 min each
CS CONTENT: Computational Thinking, Algorithmic Thinking, Pattern Recognition, Hardware & Software, Loops
NOTE: Designed for 1st grade and can be levelled up or down for kindergarten and 2nd grade; meant for teachers and students new to computer science (CS) and does not require prior CS knowledge
This folder contains slides and resources that align with each lesson and activity in the Scratch Jr. Animated Genre unit (DevTech) that was designed for K-1 students. These slides can be used as a supplement to the lesson plans.
MATERIALS: Unit Overview, Lessons, Handouts, Slides
ACTIVITY TYPE: Plugged
SUGGESTED DURATION: 8 lessons, 60 min each
CS CONTENT: Programming, Algorithm, Sequencing, Pattern Recognition, Loops
2 - 3
SEPjr is a yearlong K-5 computer science program that engages students with hands-on learning in core areas like Robotics, Project-Based Learning, and Physical Computing while fostering deeper computational thinking. The Intro to Computer Science Unit is designed to introduce your students to academic concepts, practices of computer science, and the development of their computational thinking. The unit consists mostly of unplugged activities, incorporating literacy and math skills. If you are new to computer science and would like to learn more about the following resources are a great start.
MATERIALS: Unit Overview, Lessons, Handouts, Slides, Parent Resources
ACTIVITY TYPE: Plugged, Unplugged
SUGGESTED DURATION: 11 lessons
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: Literacy, Math
NOTE: Lessons and activities can be scaled up or down using grade-specific materials and resources.
4 - 6
CS Problem Solving is designed to expose students to key computer science concepts through various problem-solving tasks and activities. Students will learn about the evolution of technology and the significant impact made by pioneering CS figures. By drawing on real-life and interdisciplinary connections, they will be encouraged to consider how CS skills can be applied when developing impactful computing systems. The curriculum introduces Scratch, a visual, block-based programming language and a mix of plugged and unplugged activities to turn students into powerful problem-solvers. Students will strengthen these skills by exploring concepts such as algorithms, programming, debugging, loops, conditionals, and abstraction.
MATERIALS: Unit Overview, Lessons, Handouts, Slides
ACTIVITY TYPE: Plugged, Unplugged
SUGGESTED DURATION: 12 lessons
CS CONTENT: Hardware/Software, Algorithms, Debugging, Loops, Programming, Pattern Recognition, Conditionals
NOTE: This unit may be levelled down for 3rd grade.