January Computer Science Newsletter

#CSEverywhere

We waited all year for Computer Science Education Week 2021! This year’s theme was #CSEverywhere, so we encouraged students and teachers to explore the relationship that computer science has with different subjects in school, different industries, and even different career paths! If you didn't get a chance to engage in activities or check out new resources from Code.org, it's not too late, check something out this week!

Poem Art: This new Hour of Code activity allows students to see two subjects, computer science and poetry, in a new way. In Poem Art, you can explore a key element of poetry—mood—by using code to add visuals and movement to classic poems. This activity is Lesson 1 of our Coding with Poetry module (see CS Connections below).

Hello World: In Computer Science 101, the first program many students create outputs an iconic line of text: "Hello World!" Say hello to the world of computer science with this introductory activity that equips students with the basic coding skills and confidence to create apps. Then, extend your CS learning by trying a cross-curricular, open-ended project (see CS Connections below).

CS Connections

Code.org recently introduced Computer Science (CS) Connections, lessons that combine computer science and other subjects like language arts, math, and science. CS Connections has options for teachers who’d like to incorporate computer science into their lesson plans for other subjects, as well as CS educators who want to reinforce what students are learning in other subjects. Interested teachers from any discipline can view cross-curricular lesson plans and try out activities here.

Teacher Opportunities:

Earn a $100 Amazon gift card for sharing your expertise with new-to-CSP teachers!

The Professional Learning team at Code.org is looking to recruit CS Principles educators to interview and record via Zoom. Selected participants who complete an interview with the Code.org team will receive a $100 Amazon gift card as a thank you. These interviews will be used to create a suite of CSP Teacher Tips videos to supplement upcoming self-paced virtual learning modules. This is an opportunity to share your expertise with teachers around the country and help bring equitable CS education to more students. To get an idea of what these videos might look like, check out the Teacher Tips videos created for CSD.

Teacher PD:

What: Self-Paced, Online Computer Science Certification Prep course through CodeHS

When: Dates – Teachers may work at their own pace but, need to take and pass the certification exam by June 16th, 2022.

Where: Online

*Teachers will get:

A self-paced course, stipend rate for the time spent on course (37.5 hours), CS K-12 Certification Exam fee reimbursed, 2 attempts,

$1,000 Bonus if they participate in on-line training and pass the K-12 Computer Science Exam by June 16th, 2022.

Student Opportunity:

Student opportunity: $40,000 for college and a paid internship

Amazon Future Engineers are offering 100 high school seniors across the US $40K for tuition and a guaranteed coding internship at Amazon following their freshman year. Applications are open to students who plan to study computer science in college and close January 25, 2022. Learn more about the scholarships and eligibility requirements, and then share the opportunity with students!

Resource Teacher, Digital Innovation

Are you interested in playing an integral role in creating the first Digital Innovation School in Pasco County? Gulf Highlands is currently looking for a resource teacher who has the skills to create an engaging lab experience where students in K-5 learn computer science and digital literacy skills. Are you tech savvy and passionate about technology but may have more to learn about computer science? That is ok! This position utilizes a full curriculum to guide you as the lead learner in the lab.

Digital Innovation Lab

Welcome back! We hope you enjoyed a relaxing and fun winter break. As you get ready to launch the second semester with your students, we encourage you to utilize both Inner Explorer (our new mindfulness platform) and our First 20 Days back calendar! Both resources can help you to re-establish your classroom culture and help to set you and your students up for success. These resources are available in our SEL Learning Network.