Self-paced | Grades preK-5 | 5 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 8 hours playing, oh, we mean working 😉 on this course.
Course Overview
By the end of this course, participants will be able to teach computer science and the foundations of computational thinking using codeSpark Academy.
This 5-module course is delivered through online and mailed materials. Participants are encouraged to work on the course collaboratively in a group of 2-5 peers (optional). Each module should take between 60-90 minutes to complete. A total of 8 PD clock hours for the entire course is suggested. All projects, activities, and content are directly applicable to educators working with K-5 students. At the end of the course, teachers will receive a signed certificate of completion.
Spark Kit
As part of this course, you'll receive a fun package with materials aligned to the course. Spark kit contents include a codeSpark Curriculum Book, our Getting Started Guide, Unplugged Activity Materials, a Notepad & Pen, Stickers and a codeSpark Lanyard.
Course Reviews
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Let's Code
By Jennifer Nishimoto
codeSpark Launch is filled with fun and engaging activities. It provides short and easy to understand videos for each concept. I have been using codeSpark 't...
Read MorecodeSpark Launch is filled with fun and engaging activities. It provides short and easy to understand videos for each concept. I have been using codeSpark 'the Foos' for a few years now and it was great to have a guide to help me explain some concepts to the students. I like there were some unplugged lessons to help us explain some of the concepts to the students. I loved working with my peers to understand and discuss some of the activities.
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Kindergarten Teacher
By Tiene Hauck
CodeSpark Launch is fun, engaging, and educational. I find the short videos provided at the beginning of each module very helpful because they explain the o...
Read MoreCodeSpark Launch is fun, engaging, and educational. I find the short videos provided at the beginning of each module very helpful because they explain the overall object(s) of each challenge. In addition, the modeling for the first two levels in each challenge is helpful because it introduces the player to the skills needed for the levels and on how to successfully complete them.
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Awesome
By Erika Margain
Honestly, at the beginning of the launch course, I did not know what to expect. The first module seemed easy and I thought that was all. When completing modu...
Read MoreHonestly, at the beginning of the launch course, I did not know what to expect. The first module seemed easy and I thought that was all. When completing module 2 and 3 I felt more challenged which peaked my interest more and had me thinking about how to solve the puzzles.
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Easy to Follow Coding Program
By Melissa Sopitkuankan
I have had some prior training through Code.org, but I feel that even if I did not have any prior training, CodeSpark was so easy to use and understand. I th...
Read MoreI have had some prior training through Code.org, but I feel that even if I did not have any prior training, CodeSpark was so easy to use and understand. I think this program is great for teachers that have never had any experience with computer science!
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Great information
By Lisa Bohaty
I really enjoyed learning more computational thinking skills using the Foos. We have used the Foos for a couple year with the Hour of Code version. I haven...
Read MoreI really enjoyed learning more computational thinking skills using the Foos. We have used the Foos for a couple year with the Hour of Code version. I haven't had much experience with the app and I really enjoyed it. It was so nice to have some unplugged lessons to go along with the Foos. I had always had trouble understanding the Lunch Conditionals version and had a hard time explaining that to the Kindergarteners. I liked how every module build on skills students had already learned. This course was well put together and easy to learn and understand. Thank you for the opportunity.
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Course curriculum
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1
Pre-Launch
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2
Module 1 - Algorithms, Sequence, & Debugging
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3
Module 2 - Pattern Matching & Loops
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4
Module 3 - Decomposition
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5
Module 4 - Events, & Conditionals
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6
Module 5 - Computational Thinking
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Course Introduction Course Structure Shipping Address Spark Kit Course Expectations Getting Started with codeSpark -
Module 1 Introduction Algorithms and Sequence Debugging Module 1 Reflect and Share -
Module 2 Introduction Programming Loops Module 2 Reflect and Share -
Module 3 Introduction Decomposition Advanced Sequencing Module 3 Reflect and Share -
Module 4 Introduction Events Conditional Statements Abstraction Module 4 Reflect and Share -
Module 5 Introduction Computer Science and Computational Thinking Module 5 Reflect Module 5 Share
Course Requirements
Please note that there are requirements to taking this course. It is your responsibility to make sure you have access to:
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Reliable Internet connection
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Tablet device (iPad, Android tablet, or Kindle fire)
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Ability to install codeSpark Academy on your tablet
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Around 8 hours of time to dedicate to this course