• Elementary Coding in the Classroom

  • Computer Science Education Week

    December 4-10, 2023

    Creativity with AI

    Computer Science Education Week is a national effort to introduce students to the world of computer science through an Hour of Code.  Hour of Code activities provide students with a way to build critical thinking skills through their interest in technology and gaming. 

    Below is a list of planning resources:

    · Hour of Code Participation Guide

    · Teacher resources on how to plan an hour of code. 

    · Find more information at https://csedweek.org & https://hourofcode.com/

    · Careers in Tech video and poster series

    · Recognize student accomplishments using Code.org certificate templates

    · Unplugged activities that do not require a computer or device.

    2023 Hour of Code Activities

    • AI for Oceans (3rd grade and up): Computer science is about so much more than coding! Learn about artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, training data, and bias, while exploring ethical issues and how AI can be used to address world problems. 
    • AVATAR: Big Data and Digital Footprint (6th grade and up): AVATAR is the latest interactive attraction at ThrillVille theme park. Sakura and Nikau can't wait to visit it and experience the world of tomorrow! In this interactive short course, the learner joins Sakura and Nikau to learn about data, digital footprints, the Internet of things, Big Data, and the implications these have for us as people, and our future. 

    2022 Hour of Code Activities  

    • Hello World: This activity includes two new themes: soccer and space! Create a winning scene straight out of the World Cup or code something out-of-this-world using images from the Webb Space Telescope, courtesy of our partnership with NASA. You can even make a mashup: soccer in space, anyone?
    • Dance Party: We’re also updating our popular  activity with some awesome songs from iconic artists like Beyoncé, Harry Styles, Lizzo, and more!
    • NASA’s Space Jam: Create a solar system that really rocks! Program planets to make music, creating your own musical solar system, complete with spacey melodies.  Appropriate for grades 2 and up.
    • 3D Space Invaders: Code the classic Space Invaders game in 3D while learning about the basics of game development, including fundamental programming concepts like loops, conditionals, and keyboard events. Appropriate for grades 2 and up.
    • Minecraft Escape Estate: Solve puzzles to escape from Dr. Breakowski's mysterious mansion in the new Minecraft Hour of Code: Escape Estate. Use coding and computational thinking to unlock secrets, open trap doors, and reveal hidden clues! Appropriate for grades 2 and up.
    • Maps: In this universe, different maps are the backdrop for fun challenges with vehicles that obey your programs. To win, you will have to interpret each map and program not only the movements, but adapt to the unexpected! Appropriate for grades 9 and up.

    Need help? 

    • · Ask parents or community members to volunteer to help support students during these events.
    • · Plano ISD Computer Science Curriculum Specialist Dan Blier is available to help schools think through possibilities. Contact Dan at dan.blier@pisd.edu.

     

     

     
Expand All

  • Pre-K

    Pre-K

    • Students in this grade have an opportunity to participate in introductory coding through the use of Blue-Bots and card mats.  
    • Teachers have access to targeted lessons in the district curriculum planner for each theme.  

    Blue-Bots on a charging tray.

  • K-2

    K-2

    • Students in this grade band have an opportunity to participate in introductory coding through the use of Blue-Bots and card mats.  These lessons are tied to cross-curricular learning opportunities in their English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies classes.  
    • Teachers have the opportunity to bring coding lessons into their English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies classes while using Blue-Bots and card mats.  These learning opportunities are tied to existing lessons with the units of study found in the district curriculum planner.

            Blue-Bots on a charging tray.

  • 3-5

    3-5

    • Students in this grade band have an opportunity to participate in introductory coding through the use of Sphero Bots and Scratch programming.  These lessons are tied to cross-curricular learning opportunities in their English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies classes.  
    • Teachers have the opportunity to bring coding lessons into their English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies classes while using Sphero Bots and Scratch programming.  These learning opportunities are tied to existing lessons with the units of study found in the district curriculum planner.
      Sphero SPRK+ Packaging              Buy Sphero BOLT on Robot Advance           Scratch Review | PCMag  

  • Contact Us
    Karen Buechman
    Career and Technical Education
     
    Dan Blier
    Career and Technical Education