Computer Science Education Week is upon us, and that means more opportunities to teach our kids about the machines on which we play and work. From online games to the Internet, computers are responsible for many of the things we use every day. Aside from being a useful teaching tool, computers also help us experience cool new things that expand our creativity. So today we'll share ways to help your child discover the magic in technology!
Enjoy our free Hour of Code activity classes for school groups of 10+ students. Just pick the subject you're interested in and contact us. We'll get in touch to get you all set up for your live Zoom sessions. Parents, check out the activities for your kids below.
What is Computer Science Education Week?
Computer Science Education Week is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to better understand computers and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers and other partners in the field. It’s an opportunity to discuss the role that computers play in our lives. It’s also a chance to show students how computers can become part of their outside interests and future careers.
Why is Computer Science Week important?
Kids who enjoy playing online games with their friends and learning to code can benefit from classes and tutorials that teach them basic skills. Offering activities that help maintain their interest in computers, both in and out of the classroom, will engage them even further. Taking part in Computer Science Week is also useful for kids who may wish to pursue studies in computer science.
When is Computer Science Week 2024?
Computer Science Week will be held from December 9-15, 2024.
Discover Free Computer Science Education Week Activities
Explore a few of the best free ways to get your school, county, or children involved in Computer Science Week this year. Contact us to set up your free computer science class (for groups of 10 students or more), and discover the ways we can help bring computer science education to your school.
1. Free Intro to Scratch Coding
This award-winning beginner coding class for kids in grades 2-5 explores the fundamentals of the Scratch interface and essential coding skills. Kids can see programs created by other students and work together to build their own game, guided live by an expert. The small group setting (max 5 students per class) lends itself to plenty of hands-on, interactive learning.
2. Accelerated Scratch – Intro to Coding for Middle Schoolers
Kids in grades 5-9 will relish the chance to learn Scratch…from scratch! In under one hour, they’ll be able to practice core coding concepts and build their own project. Geared for middle and high schoolers, this live online class is a confidence booster for budding coders.
3. Free Intro to Python Coding
Designed for grades 5-9, this class is a great starting point for middle schoolers and high schoolers, and will focus on how to animate and draw with Python. Kids will also build their own story project while creating animation.
4. Beginner Roblox Game Coding
Join this fun free intro class for students in grades 3-8 to get a taste of what creating Roblox games is like, and start learning Roblox coding! This class is designed for students who have not had any prior experience with Roblox Studio, the official tool for building Roblox games. Led live by an expert, kids install and activate Roblox Studio, and go through a step-by-step tutorial to build an interactive Obby game with different shapes, colors, and materials!
5. AI Explorers – Introduction
Is your child curious about self-driving cars, humanoids, AI generated art and ChatGPT? Kids in grades 4-6 who are interested in AI can register for this free online event. Today AI is one of the fast growing areas in technology. Join this event to learn fun cutting-edge AI applications created by companies like Google and Nvidia. Your child will enjoy lots of group discussions, interaction with the instructor, and hands-on projects.
6. Minecraft Time Travel
Kids in grades 3-6 will love this beginner Minecraft coding event. Kids will setup Minecraft Education first, and then follow a self-guided tutorial that teaches the basics of block coding on Minecraft. Complete a series of challenges with code to save the future by solving mysterious mishaps in time!
7. Minecraft Escape Estate
In this live online event for students in grades 2-9, kids can learn basic coding concepts as they escape Dr. Breakowski’s mysterious mansion! They'll solve puzzles using computational thinking to unlock secrets, open trap doors, and reveal hidden clues.
8. Circuit Fun with Snap Circuits
Learn the basics of electronic circuits using Snap Circuits, in this live online event for kids in grades 2-8. Kids will build several fun projects, while learning what a circuit is, how circuits work, and how to add more parts in a circuit to make sounds, light, and more!
Check out even more upcoming computer science events for kids. Past speakers have included professionals from Intel, Pixar, NASA, and more.
Enjoy Fun Computer Science Week Ideas
Looking for even more ideas? We have you covered.
- Encourage students to enter coding contests and competitions
- Have kids try creating simple beginner-friendly Scratch projects with these step by step tutorials
- Lead a Google CS session for your class
- Have your students try a coding app
- Tap into your students’ interests with a show and tell of their favorite video games and a lesson on how computer science brought them to life
- Bring in a local computer scientist volunteer to tell your students all about "a day in the life"
- Offer to host a coding event for your community
Integrate Computer Science into Kids' Daily Routines at Home
Integrating computer science into kids' daily routines at home can be fun and seamless. Here are a few ideas:
- Encourage kids to spend a few minutes each day exploring coding platforms like Scratch, which offer bite-sized challenges they can complete in a few minutes.
- Designate “tech time” for creative coding, where kids can build their own games or stories after homework.
- Incorporate family activities, like coding board games or building circuits with Snap Circuits.
Integrate Computer Science into Kids' Daily Routines at School
At school, computer science can be embedded across subjects in meaningful ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Integrate coding exercises into math lessons by using programs that require logic and problem-solving, or introduce block coding during art class for creating digital animations.
- Partnering coding challenges with existing units—like creating digital models in science class or coding simple quizzes for history—also helps students see the practical applications of computer science across disciplines.
- Morning or end-of-day routines could involve quick activities like coding puzzles or brainteasers that reinforce computational thinking.
Plan Computer Science Education Week Activities
Now you know how you can celebrate Computer Science Week, what activities you can do, and what free classes your students can take. Up next, read all about the best computer science classes for kids.
