Resources

CONECTAR 2.0 Curriculum

Videos on Computer Science

Introduction to Computer Science

What makes a computer, a computer?

Code.org: Explores the impact of technology and defines what computers are

Length: 5:09 min

Questions to ask:

Why do we build technology?

What does it mean for a device to be a computer?

Anybody can code

Code.org: Explores why learning how to code is important.

Length: 1:00 min

Questions to ask:

What was the first thing that speakers coded?

What is something you’d like to code?

What is Computer Science?

TechPrep: A high level explanation of programming and its importance.

Length: 3:31 min

Questions to ask:

What is programming?

Application of Computer Science in various fields

Computer Science is Changing Everything

Code.org: Overview of CS in several fields, namely agriculture, fashion, medicine, energy.

Length: 5:34 (Interviews begin at 1:00 timestamp )

Questions to ask:

What different ways were people using computer science?

What would you like to use CS for?

Data and Medicine

Code.org: Interview excerpts with professionals in medicine fields on how they are using CS to fight disease and save lives.

Length: 6:07

Questions to ask:

How do you think code used to help Josh get better?



Robotics Engineer (NASA JPL)

A robotics engineer who researches, designs, develops, operates and repairs robots.

Length: 3:40

Questions to ask:

How is Ayanna using Computer Science? What is she trying to do?


Wearable Technology

Made with Code: Maddy Maxey explains how she uses code for her fashion designs.

Length: 2:22

Human Robot Interaction

Made with Code: Tesca Fitzgerald talks about her interest in computer science and programming robots.

Length: 6:07

Medical Research

Made with Code: Brittany Wenger discusses how she programs software to detect cancer cells.

Length: 6:07

Stories of individuals' journey to Computer Science

Margaret Z Domínguez

Technolochicas: Interview with Margaret on what made her choose to pursue a career in CS and her work at NASA.

Length: 2:41

Questions to ask:

What did you learn about Margaret?

My name is Aracely

Code.org: Video about Aracely, a bilingual and first generation student, and her motivation to study CS.

Length: 3:10

Questions to ask:

What did you learn about Aracely?

Empower Girls in CS

Code.org: Interview excerpts with females in CS fields and its importance.

Length: 2:41

Questions to ask:

What did you learn about Margaret?

Suggested Storybooks

This book discusses the life of Ellen Ochoa, an astronaut and science administrator, in a way that gives perspective about her struggle as a woman and Hispanic person in the world of science.

The bold story of Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked for NASA during the space race and was depicted in the film Hidden Figures.

Other Books:

Ada Lovelace: Poet of Science by Diane Stanley

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

Hello Ruby by Linda Liukas

ORGANIZATIONS AND PROJECTS

CS Unplugged is a collection of free teaching material that teaches Computer Science through engaging games and puzzles.

LeadCS.org is a resource for K-12 district and school leaders, teacher leaders, and their partners and advocates who wish to develop computer science education in their schools. Site includes tool, information, and recommendations.

Computer Science Teachers Association is a membership organization that supports and promotes the teaching of K-12 CS through providing standards and resources.

ACCESS, Alliance for California Computing Education for Students and Schools, provides information about K-12 CS education policy and advocacy efforts in California

VELA is an NSF-funded project to integrate maths and computer science concepts: variables, expressions, looping, and abstraction. The site includes interesting simulations and puzzles to help students think about these math and CS ideas at the same time.