Oakland Schools Digital Learning
Special Edition: Hour of Code Week
Computer Science Education Week is Here!
Below you will find links to many activities that you can use to engage your students in that hour of coding and beyond. In addition, included are activities and resources for educators that can help you to learn more about coding and computer science.
If you have any questions or need help implementing any of the activities with your students, feel free to contact us.
Happy coding!
~Vinos and Laura
Celebrate Computer Science Education Week: December 6 - 12, 2021
While not every student will become a computer scientist, access to CS helps ensure that students develop the collaborative, coding, and technical skills that unlock opportunities in the classroom and beyond–no matter what their future goals may be. (Google Education, 2020)
Computer Science Education Week is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field. Use the website to find various activities that can be used during Hour of Code week or anytime during the school year.
The theme for this year's Computer Science Education Week is #CSEverywhere. This theme highlights the impact that computer science is making everywhere and the relationship that computer science has to different subjects, industries, career paths, and our everyday lives.
Kick-off the week by registering for the live event hosted by the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) on Monday, Dec. 6 at 3:00 PM.
This event will discuss this year's theme of #CSEverywhere, followed by a panel discussion that will show your students how computer science can be integrated with any of their passions and interests.
Student Activities for all Grade Levels
- There are many activities to choose from on Hourofcode.com. Try one-hour tutorials designed for all ages. Select from the various filters to help you decide which activity best suits your classroom. Select activities by grade level, comfort level, classroom technology, topic, activity type, and length. Use the tabs at the top of the website to learn how to plan for an hour of code and how to promote it within your school or community.
Poem Art Hour of Code - Tuesday, December 7
10:00 AM or 1:00 PM EST
- Tune into this special session of CodeBytes that shows students how to get started with the Poem Art Hour of Code activity. This session teaches how to use code to learn more about the power of language as an art form.
Showcase CS Heroes in your Classroom
Allow your students to Select CS Activities with Choice Boards
CS is Elementary- Family Code Nights: Involve your Community
CS is Elementary offers free year-round Livestream Family Learning Events for elementary schools. Sign up here and select the date(s) you want to participate in to join in on the fun! There is no preparation required by the school, other than being sure to invite and remind all families to attend. Schools can use the Marketing Kit, including the Family Reminder email. The night of the event, families, teachers, and staff click the Livestream link at the specific hour and date and join the program.
Don't have time this week, plan and execute your own Family Code Night any time of the year! Receive a free Event Kit that includes an organizer's guide, presenter's script, and all program materials, including invitations, posters, and family handouts, use this link to get your starter kit.
Activities for Secondary Students
These self-led, tutorial-type activities allow students to explore various computer science concepts in action.
The Cybersecurity Investigator: Beginner Level - Students put on a digital forensics investigator hat to examine a suspicious text message and trace data packets.
Data Visualization with Python: Beginner level- Students will visualize and extract information from real data allowing them to analyze their findings.
CS ED Week Activities for Educators
The Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) is offering engaging activities all week long. Check them out and make sure to register to attend or view a recording. All events will be held virtually and are free to attend.
Monday, December 6:
Identities and Belonging in CS - 7:30 PM EST
- This event is presented by the Kapor Center - organizations that work to remove barriers to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education and tech careers for underrepresented people.
Wednesday, December 8:
Build your own CS Advo Kit - 7:00 PM EST
- Join this discussion to build your own personal CS Advo-Kit so you can Advocate for CS for All.
Thursday, December 9:
CS District Teams in Action and Voices from the Field - 4:00 PM EST
- This session will highlight strategies for success and implementing tools for making plans and setting goals for impacting schools and classrooms.
Other Learning Opportunities:
- Codelicious - 12/8, 3 PM EST - Block and Text-Based Programming
- Scratch - On Demand - Hour of Code Webinar for Educators
- Codelicious - On Demand - Connecting the 4 Cs and Computer Science
- Codelicious - On Demand - Core Programming Concepts
CS Professional Learning Opportunities for K-5
Register here for the 3-day. February 1, 8, and 15 Series; 4:30-6:30 PM
Register here for the 3-day, Feb. 23, March 2, and March 9 Series: 4:30-6:30 PM
Register here for the 2-day, June 21 and 22 Series: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Oakland Schools Digital Learning Consultants
Laura.Cummings@oakland.k12.mi.us
248-209-2283
Vinos Kassab
Vinos.Kassab@oakland.k12.mi.us
248-209-2229