Code.org Regional Partner
Through our partnership with Code.org, we are bringing high-quality, computer science-focused training to educators across Arizona. Code.org’s program supports K–12 teachers and principals in their efforts to develop the fundamental knowledge and strategies they need to create the next generation of coders. If you’ve ever considered teaching computer science or know other teachers who might love it, Code.org’s professional learning programs are an ideal place to begin.
Code.org has helped prepare nearly 100K elementary, middle, and high school teachers to offer computer science, 98 percent of whom say they would recommend the program to another teacher.
Hour of Code
December 4-10, 2023
Are you ready? Computer Science Education Week is in less than a month — and it’s the perfect time to plan your Hour of Code event! We hope you’re excited and have registered your classroom or school event.
This year, we’re taking Hour of Code to new heights with “Hour of Code: Creativity with AI.” As usual, our fantastic teacher review board has meticulously tested and evaluated over 100 new Hour of Code activities submitted this year — many teaching AI concepts.
What is Hour of Code?
The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. Anyone, anywhere can organize an Hour of Code event or try any of the over 500+ one-hour tutorials, available in over 45 languages.
To learn more and check out the new Hour of Code Activities, CLICK HERE
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
In partnership with Code.org, Arizona educators have the opportunity to take the first steps in bringing computer science to their schools. Check out our upcoming CS workshops for educators.
What can you expect from a Code.org Workshop?
- Engaging workshop experiences
- Teaching and learning in context
- A collaborative, participant-centric approach
- One cohesive set of resources
CS Fundamentals
The Intro workshop is designed for elementary educators new to teaching computer science 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.
For more information or to host a workshop at your school or district please contact cs@azscience.org.
Cost
$20 | Includes general admission ticket to Science Center
Dates
February 9, 2024 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
June 17, 2024 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
CS Deep Dive
The Deep Dive is designed for elementary educators who have started teaching CS Fundamentals but want to more deeply understand Code.org’s approach to teaching CS and need strategies to fully implement the curriculum. Developed with Code.org’s professional learning values in mind, the 7-hour Deep Dive workshop provides teachers with a hands-on learning experience with other like-minded teachers. Teachers are given the space to work through individual challenges in carefully crafted sessions led by experienced facilitators.
For more information or to host a workshop at your school or district please contact cs@azscience.org.
Cost
$20 | Includes general admission ticket to Science Center
Dates
December 8, 2023| 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
June 18, 2024| 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
CS Discoveries
Computer Science Discoveries (CS Discoveries) is an introductory computer science course appropriate for 6th - 10th-grade students. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, creation, and collaboration while introducing students to the many ways computer science impacts their lives. CS Discoveries is designed to be taught as a single semester (Units 1-3), two semesters over multiple years, or as a full-year course. No computer science background is necessary for students or teachers.
CS Principles
Computer Science Principles (CS Principles) is an introductory Advanced Placement (AP) course designed to broaden participation in computer science for 9th-12th grade students. CS Principles introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science while challenging them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. No computer science background is necessary for students or teachers.
AP CSA
Code.org’s Computer Science A is an Advanced Placement (AP®) course designed to broaden participation in computer science. Our team designed the AP CSA curriculum to support students and teachers familiar to the discipline, having already covered Computer Science Discoveries (CSD) or Computer Science Principles (CSP). The curriculum introduces students to programming using Java and empowers them to practice skills used in the field. Code.org is recognized by the College Board as an endorsed provider of AP® Computer Science A curriculum and professional development.
SCHOLARSHIPS
CS Discoveries, CS Principles, and AP CSA professional learning programs are year-long programs consisting of a 5-day workshop held during the summer, followed by monthly sessions (3 hours) throughout the school year. Each of the follow-up sessions are held on a Saturday and engages participants in continued learning of the curriculum, pedagogy, and resources needed for a successful year. Additionally, the AP CSA professional learning program has a two-day workshop in May to deepen content knowledge and prepare for the following year.
Applications for the 2024 summer CS Discoveries, CS Principles, and AP CSA cohorts will open in January 2024. Mark your calendars.
The cost of the year-long program is $1,500 per participant. However, thanks to corporate sponsors, we are able to reduce the cost to $500 per participant. There are a limited number of full scholarships available for teachers who meet at least one of the following criteria:
- A minimum of 50% of the student population qualify for free/reduced lunch services.
- A minimum of 50% of the student population are underrepresented minorities.
- The school is classified as rural per NCES (locale codes 32, 33, 41, 42, or 43), AND a minimum of 40% of the student population qualifies for free/reduced lunch services.
Did you know?
- Public school districts and charter schools (grades 9–12) can apply for grant dollars through the Computer Science Professional Development Fund.
- Arizona recently approved two computer science endorsement options for educators - and Code.org CS Professional Learning course hours are eligible to count toward requirements.
- Arizona adopted K–12 Computer Science standards in 2018.
As the Regional Partner, Arizona Science Center provides K–12 teachers opportunities to engage in professional learning that will enable them to effectively teach computer science.
Computer science drives job growth and innovation throughout the economy and society
Arizona currently has 15,596 open computing jobs, almost three times the average job demand rate in Arizona. Open jobs in computing alone represent more than $932 million in terms of economic opportunity for Arizona residents.
Significant disparities exist between the need for building Arizona’s computer science (CS) workforce and access to CS education for students, and most notably for underrepresented groups. The biggest challenge in providing students with equitable access to CS is that there are still not enough teachers to teach it. The biggest misconception that schools and teachers have about teaching CS is that it takes years of preparation.
Learn more about the state of computer science in Arizona here.
Sponsor Acknowledgements
Arizona Science Center thanks the following sponsors for their generous support of Code.org:
Code.org
Freeport-McMoRan Foundation
If you’re interested in supporting Code.org or other professional development opportunities, please contact Tammy Stewart, Chief Development Officer, at stewartt@azscience.org or 602.716.2000 ext. 223.
