Code.org CS Discoveries 24-25
Professional Learning Program
Code.org Computer Science Discoveries is an appropriate curriculum for 6-10th grade students and can be taught as a semester or year-long introductory course (3-5 hours per week of instruction for 9+ weeks). The course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as programming, physical computing, HTML/CSS, and data. Students engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem-solving, and fun. The course inspires students as they build their own websites, apps, games, and physical computing devices.
Teachers who apply and are accepted to the program commit to:
Attending the virtual summer workshop as part of a cohort for "June 9-11" (3 days)
Optional Fall workshops that are proven to be very helpful, topic by topic workshops during the school year. It works with the option to build out the units you want teach.
Supporting the recruitment and enrollment of students in the course.
Computer Science Discoveries workshops are offered at no cost to teachers who are approved by thier principal to offer this content in the fall.
Funding Options
The Scholarships Covers-
- Registration No cost (National value of $600)
-Materials /Curriculum provided by Code.org
For all- Code.org curriculum, the online student learning platform, and access to support from the teacher and Code.org community are available to all schools year-round at no cost. The Alaska Staff Development Network computer science program manager and facilitators are also eager to help you get ready for full implementation.
Eligible Applicants:
Participants must complete the Code.org application process and be accepted to this cohort. (Takes about 15 minutes to fill it out.)
ALASKA CS DISCOVERIES WORKSHOPS 2025
Virtual CSD:
Dates: June 9-11 9am-4pm
Location: Virtual
**Follow-up training dates for Fall and Spring for these cohorts are TBD.
Optional UAA 500 Credit
1 500 level UAA credit for the 3-day summer workshop, egister
Date and Time
June 9-11 , 2025
Virtual
Registration Closes: 7 Days prior to workshop.
Contact:
Cheryl Bobo
Contact Email
Amanda H. is exploring physical computing with her new Adafruit Circuit Playground.
The Program will provide-
Support for schools decide if Computer Science Discoveries (6-10th) is a good fit.
Support for schools navigate the logistics of creating and adding a new course, and recruit student enrollment for the first year of the course and beyond.
Provide new-to-CS teachers a rigorous professional learning program
Provide students a strong curriculum to better prepare for Computer Science Principles and CS-A
Build internal capacity for a strong computer science program for future years.
Criteria
School leaders support Computer Science Discoveries Program
Recruit students that best model demographics of the local community
Will offer Computer Science Discoveries the following Fall. ( or select modules)
Serves all student populations with a focus on those underrepresented in CS.
The CS Discoverieis Program is available at no cost to quaified schools, thanks to a Code.org and Department of Education. ( value $600.00) Code supports low income and high number of under represented groups schools with scholarships and a grant helps fund others.
Mini Workshops
Micro:bit for 6-12 Teachers
Feb 22, 9-12pm
This workshop is full. ( Success and fun had by all)
This physical computing & Micro:bits workshop focuses on how to give students experiences with physical computing through the use of Micro:bits and other devices. We will explore how to include and engage all learners in a positive introduction to computer science concepts. We will also briefly explore the updates and new materials on the Code.org site.
Reviews:
Mary S.-Delta Junction, Alaska
So happy with my class’s introduction to the micro-bit. My third graders had such a great time with them. We’ve been reading the Wild Robot series and even though we’ve done coding for a semester, I feel like it’s the first time they connected the idea of programming to what they’re doing with coding. They loved the name tag activity and programmed it so it scrolled phrases in the character’s “voice” from the Wild Robot. Just sorry I forgot to take photos! Thanks again for the opportunity to introduce such great technology to Alaska’s kids!
Greg D.- Matsu Alaska
My club-kit did arrive, and I was able to run an introductory class on Friday, Mar 7. As I work as in a homeschool program at a charter school, my next opportunity to share microbit will be in mid-April, but that will be a longer workshop for 10 students. We'll look at the resources from Code as well as Makecode, and those students will take home microbits (another set has been ordered for those participants so that my classroom set can stay available for my use in other classes). The students who participated in Friday's class LOVED working with the microbits and wanted to dig in, take them home, and keep exploring. It's that kind of enthusiasm we hope to see, right?
Thank you for coordinating this opportunity and providing a meaningful opportunity to engage students quickly and easily. Take care, and enjoy spring!
Queen Anne Paninsoro- Kuspuk School District
HI Ms. Cheryl!
Thank you for the opportunity to let me bring microbits in my class. We had fun making microbit pets with my middle schoolers.
