Computer science for elementary school
Code.org has developed an elementary school curriculum that allows even the youngest students to explore the limitless world of computing - at no cost for schools. The courses blend online, self-guided and self-paced tutorials with “unplugged” activities that require no computer at all. Each course consists of about 20 lessons that may be implemented as one unit or over the course of a semester. Even kindergarten-aged pre-readers can participate.
Professional development workshops near you - at no cost (US only)
Code.org is offering high-quality, zero-cost, 1-day workshops to prepare educators and content-area teachers (librarians, tech-ed specialists, etc.) to introduce computer science basics in a format that's fun and accessible to the youngest learners (grades K-5). The workshop will cover content for all three courses and teachers will receive the supplies they need to teach the course- at no cost.
These workshops are led by experienced Code.org K-5 Facilitators in over 60 cities across the United States.
What you’ll get from this workshop (at no cost to you)
In person instruction from an experienced computer science facilitator, including an intro to computer science, pedagogy, overview of the online curriculum, teacher dashboard, and strategies for teaching “unplugged” classroom activities. Workshop attendees will also receive a bag of Code.org swag and printed curriculum guide containing course lesson plans. You will also receive a certificate of completion, as well as classroom supplies for the unplugged activities.
K-5 Curriculum Overview
This completely free course consists of about 20 lessons that may be implemented as one unit or over the course of a semester.
Course 1: Early-readers
- ages 4-6
- Sequences
- Loops and events
- Meaningful collaboaration with others
- Problem-solving and perseverance techniques
- Internet safety
Course 2: Beginners, readers
- ages 6+
- Conditionals
- Algorithms
- Binary code
- Debugging
- Societal impacts of computing
Course 3: Prerequisite Course 2
- ages 6+
- Problem decomposition
- Functions
- Nested loops and conditionals
- Digital citizenship
- Internet transmission methods
By the end of each course, students can create interactive games or stories that they can share with anyone.
The courses are flexible so educators can tailor them to their class based on their students’ developmental level and prior experience. The lessons align to CSTA Computer Science Standards, ISTE standards and reinforce concepts and skills taught in other subject areas by integrating national Math, English Language Arts, and Science standards.
Teacher Dashboard
The Code Studio teacher dashboard makes it easy for teachers to view lesson plans, create student accounts and monitor student progress. Students don't need an email address to have an account in Code Studio. Students can even log-in with a picture instead of a text password.
Can't find a workshop in your area?
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Are you a computer science educator with experience hosting professional development workshops?
Sign up to become a Code.org Affiliate and host workshops for K-5 teachers in your region.
Learn more about what it means to be a Code.org Affiliate.
This program is currently only operated in the US
Need more help?
The curriculum is completely free for anyone, anywhere to teach. For support outside of attending a workshop, check out Code.org’s online office hours, K-5 forum, and FAQ.
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