Arizona Computer Science for All
In 2021 a specialized team at the Arizona SciTech Institute, Arizona Science Center, and Arizona State University will be starting a project to support K8 teachers. The program will be centered around computer science and computational thinking, and how they can support student learning. The project will focus on supporting educators with age-appropriate and grade relevant tools, projects, and background knowledge to support their student's 21-century skills. The project will be led by Cochise County resident and past STEM teacher, Kalman Mannis.
This session will be composed of three parts: First will be an introduction to the Arizona Computer Science Landscape project with a few minutes to get everyone using the same words; 2. Experience sample age-appropriate computer science projects (you get to play!) coached by Jared O'Leary of BootUp, 3. Debrief and next steps.
The practicals will be geared with the understanding that many schools across the county are teaching remotely. To help teachers we are going to provide attendees with free resources that enable kids to learn how to use Scratch through self-paced, interest-driven projects. This session will offer a link to hundreds of free resources that you can immediately use with remote or in-person classes. You will be able to explore free video and visual walkthroughs for developing a project in Scratch, project extensions, debugging exercises, remixing practices, reverse engineering practices, and lesson plans.
Video Walkthrough
Coder Resources: How to Use Self-paced walkthroughs
Beginner Projects
In this introductory project, coders create their name using letter sprites and use code to animate each letter when clicked. The purpose of this project is to introduce coders to creating simple algorithms using a small number of blocks in Scratch.
Intermediate Projects
Coders create a project that allows them to make music with their faces when certain keys on a keyboard are pressed. The purpose of this project is to introduce triggering algorithms with specific keyboard events.
Coders create a photo editor app that alters the appearance of a photo when various buttons are clicked. The purpose of this project is to introduce how to broadcast and receive messages.
Advanced Projects
Coders combine their previous understandings of using pen blocks to create an app that allows users to create architecture with blocks. The purpose of this project is to reinforce understandings of modularity and user interaction by combining previous understandings within a new context.
Coders create a player controlled maze game with a funny jump scare that appears on one of the levels. The purpose of this project is to combine understandings from prior projects to create a game with a funny jump scare.
Remixing resources
Option 2: Open this studio with completed projects and remix one of the projects.
Option 3: Open this studio with incomplete projects and add to one of the project starters.
Reverse Engineering
Student-facing video
Teacher-facing video
Free Scratch Lesson Plans and more Coder Resources
Free ScratchJr Lesson Plans
Additional Resources
Listen to the #CSK8 podcast
The #CSK8 Podcast explores research, experiences, and perspectives on computer science education with a focus on grades K-8. My hope is to support and promote the #CSK8 and #CSforALL community members by interviewing guests and unpacking scholarship in relation to computer science education.
Computer Science Education Pages
Media Arts & Technology Makerspace
Spreadsheet by Peter Rich with even more resources and platforms to explore
Twitter List
Click here to visit a list with a direct feed of users who discuss the various topics that pertain to this topic.
YouTube Playlists
The following links provide videos related to various topics that pertain to this topic: