Self-paced | K-8 Grade Teachers | 8 Modules 


Start and end this course at your convenience; there are no due dates. Our recommended pace is one module per week. Expect to spend around 24 hours playing, oh, we mean working 😉 on this course. 

Teachers will be prepared to integrate computational thinking into their K-8 instruction.

WHAT'S COVERED?

This course covers basic computational thinking concepts and principles including: algorithms, sequence, debugging, programming, decomposition, events, loops, conditionals, data, and abstraction. 

Participants will learn to use multiple tools including: Scratch Jr., Scratch, Ozobot, Makey Makey, and Micro:bit.


HOW DOES BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (BYOD) WORK?

The BYOD (Bring Your Own Devices) version of our Computational Thinking Integration course is meant for teachers who already have access to some of the devices used in the course. In this course, you will provide your own devices and materials for each activity. 

Although it is not required, it is highly recommended that you complete this course with a group of peers. All crew time activity instructions assume you are in a group/pair. 

If you are completing this course alone, we suggest you do the activities with your students or other children.  


Here's a list of what you'll need for each module:

Module 1

  • Ozobot  (x1)
  • Vocabulary Posters (optional)
  • Computer/Laptop with Internet Browser
  • Printed Materials (see Module 1 Downloads section)


Module 2 

  • Tablet (iPad, Android, or Kindle) or Chromebook
  • Printed Materials (see Module 2 Downloads section)
 
Module 3
  • Hello Ruby Book (OPTIONAL, x1)
  • Tablet (iPad, Android, or Kindle) or Chromebook
  • Printed Materials (see Module 3 Downloads section)

Module 4
  • Makey Makey (x1)
  • Play Doh (x2)
  • Computer/Laptop with Internet Browser


Module 5

  • Scratch Cards Deck (OPTIONAL, x1)
  • Craft Supplies (whatever you have around the classroom will work)
  • Computer/Laptop with Internet Browser
  • Printed Materials (see Module 5 Downloads section)

Module 6

  • Candy (at least 40 pieces; small candies like M&Ms or Skittles work best)
  • Computer/Laptop with Internet Browser
  • Printed Materials (see Module 6 Downloads section)


Module 7

  • Micro:Bit kit (x1)
  • Alligator Clips (x5) - (Makey Makey kit comes with 5 alligator clips)
  • Foil (12 x  12 inch square)
  • Computer/Laptop with Internet Browser
  • Printed Materials (see Module 7 Downloads section)


Module 8

  • //Code On the Brink Game (x1)
  • Computer/Laptop with Internet Browser
  • Printed Materials (see Module 8 Downloads section)

Course Requirements

Please note, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have access to:

  • Reliable Internet access
  • A laptop, desktop, or Chromebook computer with an up to date web browser
  • A tablet device (iPad, Android tablet, or Kindle fire) or Chromebook
  • Course materials as outlined above

Course Reviews:

  • Love this course

    By Ann Miller

    I loved this course! Lots of hands-on activities, vocabulary explained, and ways to integrate activities in the classroom. I have taken several CS courses fo...

    Read More

    I loved this course! Lots of hands-on activities, vocabulary explained, and ways to integrate activities in the classroom. I have taken several CS courses for my district lately and took this one on my own...it was well worth it!! Hope my district considers it.

    Read Less
  • Great Course

    By Michael Thomas

    This was a great introduction course, giving us a basic understanding of different types of CS tools along with the ability to think critically about how to ...

    Read More

    This was a great introduction course, giving us a basic understanding of different types of CS tools along with the ability to think critically about how to add cs standards to a regular course.

    Read Less
  • Fun While Learning

    By Carrie Copley

    I would recommend taking the Launch CS Computational Thinking Integration course. The course content and materials are engaging! Being an elementary Computer...

    Read More

    I would recommend taking the Launch CS Computational Thinking Integration course. The course content and materials are engaging! Being an elementary Computer Science teacher, I already had a solid understanding of computational thinking and this course helped me build on my knowledge. I couldn't wait to get the materials and get together with my colleagues to learn! It was one of the few times I looked forward to professional development because it didn't feel like a class at all! I've already used some of the lesson ideas and look forward to using more. Thank you Launch CS for the fresh ideas and materials and also for pushing me to extend my understanding of teaching computational thinking in the classroom. If given the chance, I would take this class again and again!

    Read Less

Course curriculum

About the Instructor

  • Grant Smith

    Lead Facilitator

    Grant Smith

    Grant is a former computer science teacher and district administrator. He has led #CSforAll initiatives at multiple school districts in multiple states across the nation and has developed computer science curricula and standards. In recognition for his leadership in computer science education, he won the 2015 Digital Innovation in Learning Award – Administrator Trailblazer. He has served on national computer science education panels. He is also one of the authors of the 2017 CSTA Computer Science Standards.

Develop your computational thinking content knowledge

Sign up now