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 itself, 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.
Teachers, partners, and cities: Be sure to try our Hour of Code activity classes for 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 2021?
This year, Computer Science Week will be held from Dec. 6-12.
Discover Computer Science Education Week activities
Explore 10 ways to get your school, county, or children involved in Computer Science Week.
1. Learn Scratch Coding with Kahoot
In this fun online event, kids grades 2-10 can gain a basic understanding of electric circuitry using SnapCircuits. They’ll be able to build several fun projects, as they learn what a circuit is, how a circuit works, how to create one and how to integrate capabilities like lights and sound. Kids can use their own SnapCircuits set (Jr. or above), but it is not required.
2. Hour of Code: Minecraft TimeCraft Mission
Using basic coding concepts, computer scientists-in-the-making will have the ability to correct mysterious time mishaps in Minecraft. Kids grades 2-6 can choose their own adventure as they take part in sequences, events, loops and debugging. This free kids event is available live or recorded after if you sign up.
3. Free Intro to Scratch Coding
Geared for grades 2-5, this beginner coding class explores the fundamentals of the Scratch interface during an online live tutorial. Kids can see programs created by other students and work together to build their own game. The small group setting (max 5 students per class) lends itself to plenty of hands-on, interactive learning.
4. Beginner Minecraft Modding Intro: Code to Save Village
Minecraft novices will get a crash course in block coding during this class for grades 3-5. This tutorial will simplify basic tasks, such as how to prevent the spread of a fire, save a village and bring life back into the forest. It is designed to prepare players for more advanced coding in the Minecraft Coding Quest. Or check out even more fun Hour of Code Minecraft activities.
5. AI Explorers – Introduction
Kids grades 4-6 who are interested in AI can register for this free online session. They’ll be able to take advantage of the small classroom setting with individual attention from the instructor and create a hands-on project. It’s a great way to get their feet wet before committing to a full-length AI class.
6. Free Intro to Intermediate Minecraft Modding
This advanced-level class will teach kids grades 4-7 how to code using a Minecraft emulator and help them start building their first mod. Participants will be able to complete two challenges in this session. Attendees must have a minimum of 20 hours Scratch coding experience, or they must have completed Create & Learn’s Scratch Ninja I and II.
7. Roblox Studio Intro – First Project
In this fun online live class, novice Roblox coders in grades 4-8 will be taught how to install and activate Roblox Studio. Students will also be able to finish a tutorial at their own pace. They will have the opportunity to ask questions and watch demos provided by the instructor.
8. Accelerated Scratch – Intro to Coding for Middle Schoolers
Kids 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.
9. Free Intro to Python Coding
Students who excelled in Scratch can take their block coding experience and advance to the next level with text-based coding. Designed for grades 5-9, this intermediate-level class will focus on how to animate and draw with Python. Kids will also build their own story project while creating animation.
10. Fun Hour of Code tutorials
Find out how to make your own animated character in Scratch. Plus see 10 other beginner tutorials for cool projects to make such as a space adventure, shark challenge, The Grinch game, and more!
Try even more fun Computer Science Week ideas
Looking for even more ideas? We have you covered.
- 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
- Inform students of upcoming school winter break coding camps
Plan your 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.
