Teaching the Computer Science Discoveries Course

Overview

Computer Science Discoveries (CSD) is an introductory computer science curriculum for students in Grades 6 through 10 that takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as programming, physical computing, HTML/CSS, and data. The curriculum inspires students as they build their own websites, apps, games, and physical computing devices. CSD is designed to be taught as two single-semester courses or a year-long introductory course. All curriculum resources and tutorials are free and available at Code.org.

CSD covers the following topics: problem solving, programming, web development, animations and games, the design process, data and society, and physical computing.

Syllabus

Session 1: What Is Computer Science?

The first session introduces you to computer science as a field of study and to computational thinking as a form of critical thinking that leverages concepts integral to computer science. It provides background information that will serve as a foundation for a deeper understanding of CSD, its curriculum values, and its pedagogical approach.

Session 2: Getting Oriented to the CSD Curriculum

This session will familiarize you with the CSD curriculum resources and features to prepare you to more easily find and utilize all the resources you need to teach CSD.

Session 3: The Lead Learner Model

This session focuses on the importance of your role as the lead learner in the CSD classroom and strategies for effectively implementing it.

Session 4: Broadening Participation in Computer Science

The final session introduces you to the "why" behind empowering students to learn computer science and computational thinking skills. It also prepares you to build a diverse and equitable CSD classroom by providing strategies to address well-known equity gaps within the field.