This 5-day workshop includes two days of training on Code.org's CS Fundamentals curriculum, then two days of training on Scratch Jr and Scratch, and then a final workshop focusing on how unplugged activities can build computational thinking. Not all computer science needs to be done on a device!
These workshops are inclusive for folks without any prior computer science or coding experience, and for folks who will be implementing this within other subject areas - all experience levels and implementations welcome!
Monday & Tuesday: Code.org CS Fundamentals
This workshop is designed for elementary educators who want to explore how to begin teaching the CS Fundamentals curriculum. Join your peers and experienced facilitators to get a hands-on introduction to computer science, pedagogy, overviews of the online curriculum and teacher dashboard, as well as strategies for teaching “unplugged” classroom activities.
At the end of the workshop, teachers will have:
- An implementation plan for teaching CS Fundamentals lessons.
- Strategies for teaching CS Fundamentals lessons.
- A connection to the community of CS Fundamentals teachers.
- A printed curriculum guide with pedagogy, tips, and best practices.
Wednesday & Thursday: Hands-On Elementary CS
Learn how to integrate computer science into an elementary classroom using hands-on coding platforms. K-2 educators will explore Scratch Jr and learn to implement coding in the classroom via practical lesson plans. 3-5 educators will explore Scratch and learn to implement coding in the classroom via practical lesson plans.
Friday: Computational Thinking and Unplugged Activities
Learn how to facilitate unplugged activities and build student conceptual understanding through manipulatives, discussions, and incorporating personal connections into classroom learning. This session focuses on the activities that support on-device learning, and provides strategies for how to facilitate unplugged activities to develop strong computational thinking strategies.